Dr. James Jackson

Dear Nick Saban, This is a letter I knew I’d have to one day write, but I’ve been telling myself it would be years before I’d have to write it. But I was wrong. And here I am, trying to put together thoughts and words as if somehow I’ll be able to somewhat convey how grateful and thankful I am for you. On a personal note, I must share one way that you’ve personally changed my life. October 26, 2013. A day that forever changed the trajectory of my life. I made a sign that said “Saban, we’ll stay for 60, if you’ll stay forever.” Little did I know that Tracy Wolfson of CBS Sports would take a picture of my sign and that an Alabama broadcaster would bring up my sign in the post game press conference after our 45-10 win over the Volunteers. By the time I made it back to my dorm, the sign had gone viral. And my life would be forever changed. Terry sat beside me during College Gameday that following season, recognized me, and got you to sign the sign for me. It’s a keepsake I’ll always cherish. I changed my degree to sports broadcasting, and the rest is history. Had you of not come to the University of Alabama in 2007, I’d have never had the pleasure of meeting you and your family, getting to be a part of, and witness, the dynasty, and I would not be where I am today. But that’s who you are, Saban. You’re more than a game changer. You’re a life changer. Sure, you’ve changed the Alabama football program for the better in SO many ways. Sure, you’ve led Alabama to 6 national titles since your arrival. Sure, you’ve helped young men make their NFL dreams come true. But it’s more than that. You’ve helped shaped and change lives. You’ve changed the lives of players who needed a father figure in their life. You’ve change the lives of coaches that needed a second chance. You’ve changed the lives of those that your Nick Kids Foundation has had the opportunity to help. You’ve made a ministry out of your career. You saw ways to help your community in more ways than just winning games. You saw ways to change lives, one recruit, one coach, and one day at a time. The University of Alabama is better because of you. You helped changed the entire athletic program. Other sports at Alabama are where they are because of your impact and success. And let’s be honest, it’s because of you that college football went from the BCS to the playoffs, and why they’ve had to keep expanding, hahaha. You keep winning, no matter how hard they try and stop you. I know I speak for all Crimson Tide fans when I say: thank you. Thank you for all you’ve done. Thank you for forever changing the Alabama football program. Thank you for forever changing Tuscaloosa. Thank you for forever changing college football. And thank you for forever changing the lives of every player, coach, and fan you’ve ever encountered. I’m so dang thankful and grateful you came to Tuscaloosa in 2007, and that you never left us for another program. Your loyalty will forever be appreciated. You’ll be missed, coach. But you’ll never be forgotten, nor will you ever be able to be replaced. You’re one of a kind. You’re a legend. You’re the GOAT. And we’re better because of you and all you’ve done. Roll Tide, coach, forever. Sincerely, Hannah Stephens #RollTide