Nick Saban is always highly spoken of in the corridors of NFL franchises due to his ability to produce well-equipped players for the NFL. Drafting an Alabama star meant you were getting someone who maximized their gifts and was often able to hit the field early and give value to their new team.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is one of Nick Saban’s premier products from Alabama. He was a first-round pick in 2019, and despite totaling only 251 carries and 48 receptions over three seasons in a loaded backfield, the Las Vegas Raiders took him 24th overall. Still, in a recent interview, he revealed why he almost left ‘Bama.
Josh Jacobs Opens Up About Almost Leaving Alabama, Heated Moment With Nick Saban
Since being drafted, Josh Jacobs has shown why he was a first-round pick. He’s racked up 6,874 yards and 61 touchdowns on the ground, including leading the NFL in rushing in 2022.
The running back wasn’t always sure he would finish his career at Alabama. His in-game clash with Saban caused him to rethink his future with the program.
On the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast, Jacobs spoke about what transpired between him and the legendary Coach.
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“I clashed with Saban a couple of times and I finally spazzed on Saban one game,” Jacobs said. “My junior year against Ole Miss, I had scored. Henry Ruggs’ little brother played linebacker [for Ole Miss]. He’s holding on to me like six yards in the end zone, still grabbing me. We had some words and they throw a flag. I already know what’s coming…it’s Saban.”
Jacobs continued, “Saban cussed me out, I was like alright, I’ll eat it. But then a couple of drives go by, and he came back to cuss me out again. I got up, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, we have some words.’ We got to halftime, and I’m taking my pads off like I’m done. I’m finna transfer to Oregon or Oklahoma.
“I cried,” he revealed. “Like what more do you want me to do? We come back out after halftime, and I’m returning punts. They kick the ball to me and I return it 60, 70 yards. I didn’t even celebrate, I just stared at Saban the whole time. That conversation changed everything between me and him,” he continued.
“We became kind of tight after that because the thing about Saban that I’ve learned is that he respects people who talk back to him. Not disrespect him, but have the b***s to say something to him.”
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Alabama eventually won that matchup 62-7 with Jacobs recording 18 rushing yards, one touchdown on six carries, and one catch for 18 yards. He also had two returns for 101 yards. Jacobs was a part of the team’s 2017 National Championship run.
Throughout his three-year crimson career, Jacobs tallied 1,491 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, and five receiving scores.
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