The field at Bryant-Denny Stadium has been dedicated to legendary Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban. In the wake of this dedication, Saban’s former players paid it back and voiced their appreciation for the former coach.
Nick Saban Receives Words of Gratitude from Derrick Henry, Other Players
When Saban retired from the game of college football in the offseason of 2024, there was shock initially, but the CFB world quickly took the news with grace. It’s the least anyone could do for one of the game’s most legendary figures; now, that appreciation is being taken to a new level.
Ahead of Alabama’s Week 2 home clash against the South Florida Bulls, it was announced that the football field at Bryant-Denny Stadium would be named “Saban Field,” in dedication to Saban and his lasting legacy at one of college football’s most storied programs.
Saban, who is now part of the “College GameDay” Saturday crew, was shown a congratulatory video in recognition of the event, in which former players expressed their thanks and gratitude for the impact Saban had on them in his time as head coach.
Among the players who congratulated Saban were former and current NFL stars such as linebacker Dont’a Hightower, running back Mark Ingram, and current Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry.
“You’re the goat. … Not only did you make me a better player, you made me a better person as well.”
Derrick Henry and former Alabama players thank Coach Saban and congratulate him on the debut of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TRVsKGR3UV
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 7, 2024
Ingram offered validation of the name — “Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium has a nice ring to it” — while Hightower praised Saban’s hard work, trust, and dedication he imparted not just to Hightower but to all the young players who passed through the doors at Alabama.
With this dedication, Saban’s legacy is in writing at Alabama, and his greatness will always serve as a beacon for players, on every game day moving forward.
Saban Established Himself as One of the Greatest Coaches in CFB History
Saban finished his career as one of the most successful and winningest coaches in college football history. In total, across his time at Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, and Alabama, Saban amassed a record of 292-71-1. At Alabama alone, he was 201-29 in 17 seasons.
Not only did Saban win at an exceedingly high clip, but he also broke Bear Bryant’s record among collegiate head coaches for national championships in a career. Saban won six championships with the Crimson Tide and a seventh in his time at LSU.
Equally impressive to Saban’s track record as a winner was his as a talent developer. Saban saw 133 players at Alabama get selected in the NFL Draft. Of those, 47 were selected in Round 1 of the NFL Draft across Saban’s 17-year career.
Saban officially announced his retirement on Jan. 10, 2024. He was replaced by former Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer, who led Washington to the College Football Playoff National Championship game at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
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