As one of the best to ever play the position in the National Football League, people lock in when Patrick Surtain discusses the importance of being a cold-blooded cornerback.
He hails from New Orleans (La.), but Surtain spent 11 seasons in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins (1998-04) and Kansas City Chiefs (2005-08).
His career included three trips to the Pro Bowl and an NFL first-team All-Pro honor in 2002, but he lended his voice and knowledge of the position to a much bigger purpose on Friday.
With his son, Patrick Surtain II, featured in a stunning promo for Alabama’s week five matchup versus Tennessee, Surtain explained why corners must play with an edge. In playing against the fastest and best receivers an opponent has to offer, cornerbacks have to fend for themselves. Most would refer to the isolation as an island, but Surtain sees it as an iceberg.
?**Not An Island**?#BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/mBeCvvdNA6
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 23, 2020
“The ice water in our veins assures that we are unaffected by the crowd, the opponent or the last play,” Surtain said in the video. “When the heat is turned up, an average corner will fade. But, the great ones will remain cool under pressure.”
As a junior for the Crimson Tide, Surtain has locked down his side of the field.
He has two pass breakups to pair with his 14 tackles and held George Pickens (Georgia) to 53 yards receiving on five catches.
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His father’s pro career finished with 538 tackles, 37 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, 7.5 sacks and two touchdowns.
He was coached hard by his father at Heritage High School (Plantation, Fla.), but now the son of a legend has another week in the Southeastern Conference to shut down a playmaker.
Surtain battles Josh Palmer of the Volunteers on Saturday, as he continues his push for a first-round draft stock.
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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.
