Fomer Alabama football head coach, Nick Saban was honored on Thursday night at the ESPYS in Los Angeles with the Icon Award.
The Icon Award is presented to the individual for one’s life experiences and to recognize their exceptional contributions to their society or lifetime achievement in their field.
Saban was honored on stage by former Alabama Heisman winners Mark Ingram II and Bryce Young.
“It’s an honor for me to have two of our former Heisman Trophy award winners to present this award to me,” Saban said after receiving the award. “I’m very thankful for the other players and former players who played for us that are here tonight. We have a good group of guys here… enough that we could actually have practice after this.”
Saban also made a special point to thank his wife and family for their overwaving support, dealing with all the moves and changes throughout his career.
“Miss Terry has been the love of my life for 52 years,” said Saban. “And she has supported me in every way, as my family has, and I certainly appreciate that, because there’s a lot of sacrifices families make in coaching.”
Saban spoked on lessons he learned from his father while he growing up as well during his acceptance speech.
“The one thing my dad told me, when I was a young kid in West Virginia, that was the most important part of your character, is to have compassion for other people,” Saban said. “People aren’t gonna remember what you say, they’re gonna remember how you made them feel.”
The legendary coach compiled an astounding total record of 291-71-1 during his entire coaching career. Saban won a championship at LSU before accumulating 206 wins and winning six National Championship during his 17 years in Tuscaloosa. He also developed 133 NFL draft picks, including 47 first rounders at Alabama before retiring from coaching in January.
Saban says his legacy is displayed through his former players and the impacts that they’ve had thus far on their communities.
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