Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban was honored at the 2024 ESPY Awards with the ‘Icon Award’ during just his first offseason since announcing his retirement.
ICON AWARD 👏
Congratulations, Coach Nick Saban#RollTide pic.twitter.com/Uy4FwxtQ9J
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) July 12, 2024
During his time as Alabama’s head coach, Saban won six national championships in 17 seasons and coached four players to a Heisman Trophy, a feat that had never been accomplished at Alabama before Saban’s arrival.
Two of Saban’s Heisman winners, running back Mark Ingram and quarterback Bryce Young, presented Saban with the prestigious honor.
MARK 🤝 ESPYs 🏆✨📸
Congratulations @markingramII on awarding his former @AlabamaFTBL Head Coach the 2024 ESPY Icon Award 👏❤️🐘 pic.twitter.com/4Tt7ACt5bq
— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) July 12, 2024
Upon receiving the award, Saban delivered a stirring speech about character, the importance of athletes using their platforms for good. He also said there were enough Alabama players in the room to have a practice.
There will never be another Nick Saban. What a powerful message. pic.twitter.com/Fh8H3IeayT
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) July 12, 2024
“The one thing my dad told me, when I was a young kid in West Virginia, that was the most important part of your character, is to have compassion for other people,” he said. “People aren’t gonna remember what you say, they’re gonna remember how you made them feel.”
“I’d like to say to everyone in this room, because there are a lot of great athletes,” Saban said. “We have a responsibility and an obligation. Because sports bring people together better than anything.”
His daughter Kristen Saban shared some behind-the-scenes pictures of she and her parents at the event.
View this post on Instagram
It’s a tremendous tribute to the legendary career of Nick Saban and only fitting that college football’s greatest icon was the recipient of the Icon Award.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
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