“Tears were rolling”: Nick Saban’s daughter Kristen Saban recalls emotional moment when Alabama honored legendary coach's legacy
Kristen Saban has shared what it was like behind the scenes when Alabama honored their legendary coach during halftime of the Week 2 game against South Florida on Saturday.
Saban, who coached for 17 years in Tuscaloosa, retired in January. He led the Crimson Tide to six national championships and nine SEC titles. Alabama renamed the Bryant-Denny football field "Saban Field" in honor of Nick Saban's contribution to the program.
Kristen shared a picture of the family enjoying their halftime moment. She was seen standing beside her mother, Terry, her brother, Nicholas, and his wife, Samira.
"Tears were rolling," Kristen wrote in her IG story.
Nick Saban credits his legacy to every member of Alabama
Just hours before Saturday's kickoff between Alabama and South Florida, many fans gathered outside the stadium as Saban went to the podium to address the crowd.
"This is a great honor to have the field named after the legacy that we've been able to create here," Saban told the gathered fans, wearing his familiar gray suit and crimson tie.
"But I want this legacy to represent every player who played, who worked hard, every coach who helped those players develop, our administration who set a foundation where we had a chance to be successful," he added.
Nick Saban's wife, Miss Terry, also had a few words of gratitude.
“Thank each and every one of you for coming here today. It means so much to us. Our family is excited and grateful for this historic honor. The past 17 years haven’t felt like work. Rather it has felt like teamwork. Players, coaches, staff, and our incredible fans have made it happen," Terry said.
Saban and his wife walked through the tunnel during halftime.
The Alabama social media handle released glimpses of the day.
In the presence of their former coach, the Alabama Crimson Tide registered a dominant 42-16 victory over South Florida. They'll face the Wisconsin Badgers in Week 3.