Atypical & Awesome “Saban All My Love For You”
The day before I turned 50, the news hit. I was getting ready to leave work and there it was- the preliminary reports that Saban had retired. I’ll be honest, I was in denial until I read Ms. Terry’s statement later than evening and my heart fell. But, goodness, I cannot begrudge them one bit and few have earned retirement as much as the Saban’s. Can I tell you why this matters to me, personally?
Yes, I graduated from Alabama during the Stallings era, my dad graduated Alabama during the Bear Bryant era, and two of our kids graduated from Alabama during the Saban years. We have all been at The University during some magical football times. But even though we say, “Roll Tide” as easily as “hello” around here, it really isn’t about football for me.
Nick Saban and I have something very special in common. So much, in fact, I get emotional just thinking about how to word this but essentially, it comes down to kids. We both work with kids on the cusp of their lives when decisions and choices can truly be a matter of life and death. He gave a beautiful speech about second chances but for some it’s the only chance they have ever been given. It is such a responsibility and honor to be able to guide a kid, or in Saban’s case a young man toward true adulthood. To show a better path and to give these “kids” the opportunity to not only survive but thrive. It is far beyond a football field.
He stuck it out. The retirement rumors had been swirling awhile and smack talk about the “fall of the dynasty “ have been brewing but I say “wait til you see the dynasty in the fall”. Saban has invested his life not only into the football “program” but his “dynasty”which is all the young men he has mentored. There isn’t a ring for this win but that is what makes him truly the GOAT. Just wait, I guarantee you that dynasty will live on. I have nothing but love for that man and Ms. Terry-have been blessed, Roll Tide!
