Jan. 10, 2024 will be forever remembered in the hearts of the football community. Some hearts were shattered, like my own and some hearts were healed with the retirement of the godfather of football, Nick Saban.
The news broke at 4 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon. I was devastated and in disbelief that I thought the announcement to be fake news. Then after blinking, the news was on every major sports page account on ever platform of social media. Ever since I was able to even comprehend words I knew I loved the sport of football. Born and raised in a Tide-loving household all I ever knew was winning. And we were led by the one and only Nick Saban. Record setting statistics follow him and he has left an impact on his players as well as his respective fans.
We all knew the impact and importance of Saban when everyone who was not an Alabama Crimson Tide fan was celebrating the departure of Saban from being head coach. That alone should say how big of a position he had in the football world–49 draft picks, 11 SEC championships, six national championships, four heisman winners, 29 losses in 17 years–the list goes on and on and on. Definition of a literal G.O.A.T.
From 2007 to 2024 the Tide reigned supreme over everyone in their path. They are always everyone’s biggest game on their schedule, re-establishing culture and coaching for everyone. He has even propelled head coaches like Kirby Smart and Lane Kiffen.
Nothing can compare to the feeling of waking up on a Saturday morning to watch your classic crimson and white jerseys compete on a weekly basis. The atmosphere at every game to see if someone was able to beat a Saban led Alabama team was absolutely bonkers.
Eventually, all good things must come to an end. A real standup guy, coach, father, husband, and the many more hats he wears behind the scenes will truly be a difficult act to follow. Us Tide fans have been spoiled every year with success and a great winning record. Watching this team and this wonderful coach made me discover my love for the game of football myself. If I could I would thank coach Saban myself in person. What a run he has had. Thank you coach.
