Pat Surtain II, currently a cornerback for the Denver Broncos, is at the top of his career, having earned 4 consecutive Pro Bowls, and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
The Broncos star was drafted as the No.9 overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, after developing under Nick Saban at Alabama for three years, starting 12 games in his freshman year, totaling 42 tackles in his second year, and helping the Crimson Tide team win a national championship in 2020.
During a recent conversation with Cam Newton and ex-Alabama star Terrion Arnold, Pat Surtain II opened up about the backlash he received from the fans for choosing Saban’s team over LSU.
“I had an instance where it caused me to react, but it was close. Just like online, you know, cyber stuff online. Like, you know, I mean, I’ve been when I committed, when I committed to Alabama, that was like the biggest thing ever because it was LSU and Alabama, I got some ties to Louisiana. My family from Louisiana. I was big on LSU, but you make a business decision, and you go to Alabama and obviously from a teenage perspective you make a business decision, I mean these are the most important years of your next life, I mean you’re going to spend the next 3-4 years at your next college, so obviously you’re gonna choose wisely.”
“I had fans go in my inbox saying racist remarks. And it’s like, you know, as a player and somebody that loves the game of football, that’s doing what’s best for him. It’s like that is not deserving at all. And it’s like that’s when it gets to the point where you separate football and now you’re making it more personal.”
Former Alabama DB Pat Surtain II opened up on @closedsundaypod about the backlash he received after committing to Alabama over LSU.
“When I committed to Alabama, that was like the biggest thing ever,” Surtain II said, “I got some ties to Louisiana. My family from Louisiana. I… pic.twitter.com/8oom0SL6bY
— Crimson Coverage (@CrimsonCoverage) December 26, 2025
Pat Surtain II Reveals Similarities Between Nick Saban and Sean Peyton’s Coaching Styles
During an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints in March 2025, Pat Surtain II revealed some similarities between his two head coaches, Nick Saban and Sean Peyton.
Surtain II gave Saban the more hands-on label, saying that he will get you, and said that both the coaches have a really structured strategy:
“I say Saban is more hands on, he’s going to get at you. He’s going to – not saying Sean doesn’t — but everything’s structured with him with Saban. He built you for that tough grind, those grueling hard days in the summer, those workouts. It’s like a program with him, everything is just top notch, top down.” Surtain II said.
Saban retired at 72 after the 2023 national championship loss against Michigan in the Rose Bowl showdown.
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