Bama in the Billions: Saban Creates Real Value for Players
Since joining the Crimson Tide in 2007, Nick Saban has often spoken of players creating value for themselves in one way or another.
In his 15 years with the program, the legendary coach has been a catalyst in creating value for his players, sending 106 of them to the NFL with many as first round picks.
At a recent event in Mobile, AL, coach Saban shared an absolutely mind-blowing statistic regarding the value his players have created for themselves after their careers concluded at Alabama.
Speaking with reporters at Team Focus' 14th annual "A Night with Nick Saban", the coach was asked about any changes he would make to the transfer portal, but was reluctant to give anything away, instead using the opportunity as a chance to promote the Crimson Tide.
"I'm not in a position to really say that," Saban said, speaking on the portal, "Everyone has an opportunity to go wherever they want to go, whenever they want to go. If we think that's good for the development of young people, I guess it's okay."
After mentioning the likes of Mac Jones and Brian Robinson as examples of trusting the process and waiting their turn, Saban continued, flipping the question on its head, "Somebody gave me a stat that our players have made $1.7 billion playing in the NFL since 2007, and all those guys didn’t play when they were freshmen. They didn’t all play when they were sophomores. They didn’t even all play when they were juniors, but they all developed.”
While the rise of the transfer portal and NIL allows for instant gratification for athletes, Saban shows that waiting your turn and trusting the system may be the best move long-term.