Nick Saban impacted so many young athletes that played for him at the University of Alabama.
The most significant one, however, was Jalen Hurts. He came in the Crimson Tide’s 2016 recruiting class from Texas and made history as the first true freshman starting quarterback in the Saban era. Hurts propelled the Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship meeting with Clemson and displayed humility a year later, when he was benched for Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 CFP National Championship Game against Georgia.
He created a bounce back moment in the 2018 Southeastern Conference Championship matchup with the Bulldogs, replacing Tagovailoa in the second half to lead Alabama to a 35-28 win.
RELATED: Former Alabama QB Bryce Young shares hilarious memory of Nick Saban to honor his retirement
Hurts defined keep poise and grace through adversity, and Coach Saban taught him that.
He’s carried the leadership traits to the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Hurts is preparing for his first opponent in the NFC playoffs, but he took a moment to share his thoughts on his former college coach retiring.
He called it ‘a sad day in the game of football.’
“It’s a sad day in the game of football.” – Jalen Hurts on the retirement of Nick Saban#RollTide #NickSaban #FlyEaglesFly
🎥: @Eagles pic.twitter.com/l893UAIpYs
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) January 12, 2024
“It’s surreal,” Hurts said in a press conference about Saban’s retirement.
“He has always been coaching ever since I was alive, and growing up, and knowing what he’s been, and knowing why I committed to going to that university because of the man he was, the intentions he had, and the way he went about his business … I have a ton of respect for him. He will definitely be missed in the game, but I know he’ll be enjoying himself. He will be out there watching. You know he can’t be too far from it, but Coach Saban knows I have a ton respect for him.”
Many former Alabama players have shared touching tributes to Coach Saban since Wednesday.
We will see if an announcement comes today on who will become the new coach of the Crimson Tide.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
