It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since Nick Saban’s retirement. Looking back, I think I finally get why he decided to step away. Saban built a dynasty based on discipline, loyalty, and a team-first mentality. But as I watch college football now, I can’t help but feel like those values are being lost. NIL deals and the transfer portal have completely shifted the game — and not in a good way.
When I think about what college football used to be, it wasn’t just about talent or money. It was about playing for your school, your team, and your fans. It was about heart, grit, and sticking with a program that gave you a chance. But now, it feels like everything is transactional. Players are more focused on big NIL deals than championships, and if they don’t get playing time right away, they’re gone — off to the transfer portal to find a better opportunity.
It just doesn’t feel the same. Players used to stay and fight for their spot. They played for each other, for the program, and for the fans who loved them. Now, it seems like everyone’s out for themselves. Instead of working hard to earn their place, they’re chasing the next big paycheck or the next big opportunity. The team-first mentality that Saban built his success on has been replaced by individual ambitions, and it’s heartbreaking to watch.
Saban was never just a coach who cared about winning games. He was about building a program — a culture of discipline, hard work, and commitment. But how can you do that in today’s world, where players can leave at the drop of a hat? How can any coach build a team with the loyalty and cohesion that made Alabama football what it was?
Don’t get me wrong — NIL deals have given players financial opportunities they’ve never had before, and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. But it’s taken the focus off of what college football used to be about. The game feels more like a business now, and I can’t help but feel like the heart of the sport is slowly fading away.
As I think about Saban’s decision to retire, I wonder if he saw this coming. He knew the game was changing, and not in a way that aligned with the values he built his career on. NIL and the transfer portal have changed college football in ways that make it unrecognizable from the game we grew up with.
Here we are, one year after Saban’s retirement, and it feels like the end of an era. His legacy is undeniable, but the college football he helped define is slipping away. For fans like me — who’ve bled crimson and white for years — it’s bittersweet. We’ll always treasure the memories of the Saban era, but I can’t help but wonder what the future holds for a sport that’s changed so much.
But there’s one thing I know for sure: the loyalty, passion, and team spirit that made college football special are worth fighting for. I’m hopeful that one day we can find a way to bring those values back.
And I’m not going to lie — I’ve loved getting up on Saturday mornings and watching Nick Saban on College GameDay. There’s something about watching him and Pat McAfee that just feels right. I can’t help but smile when Saban grabs his little stick and starts breaking down plays on the screen. You can tell this man truly loves football, and even in retirement, it’s clear that the game still holds a special place in his heart. Watching him still being able to somewhat do what he loves has been one of my favorite things about this past year.
It’s moments like these that remind me of why I fell in love with college football in the first place. The game is changed , but the passion for it — especially for Alabama football — will always remain.
Roll Tide Roll Forever
Add comment
Comments