Dallas Cowboys rookie Tyler Booker credited former Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban for helping him become the NFL side’s starting right guard after Zack Martin retired earlier this year. Booker shared his thoughts about replacing Martin in a recent interview with CBS Sports.
The 21-year-old moved from his previous position of left guard to right guard. When asked about his transition into his new position, Booker mentioned the help he received from Saban.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Booker told CBS Sports. “You have to think a little bit more, but at the same time, it’s technique that you’re a lot more cognizant of what you’re doing with your body. It’s not too hard because my freshman year at Bama, I would get two drives at left guard and two drives at right guard. Shout out to Coach Saban and Coach (Eric) Wolford for getting me ready for the NFL.”
Saban, who is worth $80 million (according to Celebrity Net Worth), coached Booker for two seasons in the NCAA before leaving Alabama. The Crimson Tide posted a 23-4 overall record during that period. Saban praised Booker when the Connecticut native was drafted by the Cowboys this year.
Tyler Booker and Coach Saban go way back 🤩
Nick Saban weighs in on what makes the No. 12 overall draft pick so special 💪 pic.twitter.com/GaznBbhCUk
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 25, 2025
Booker has huge shoes to fill in his rookie season at Dallas. Martin, one of the most decorated offensive linemen in Cowboys history, retired from the NFL in February of this year. He decided to hang up his boots after playing 11 seasons with Dallas.
The 34-year-old had an illustrious career with the Cowboys, receiving nine Pro Bowl selections. He also had seven First-team All-Pro selections, matching the record held by Hall of Famers John Hannah and Randall McDaniel, among NFL guards.
How Tyler Booker Fared in His Final Season With the Alabama Crimson Tide
Tyler Booker played 13 games in his final season with Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide finish with a 9-4 record in the 2024 campaign. Booker, who was the team captain for Alabama last season, cemented his status as one of the best run-blockers in college football. His performances were recognized as he earned a First-team All-SEC selection.
Following Zack Martin’s retirement, the Dallas Cowboys made Booker their top target in the 2025 NFL Draft. They selected the former Alabama star with the 12th pick in the first round, which was the third time in the last four years that Dallas used its top pick on an offensive lineman.
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