Legendary Alabama coach and seven-time national champion Nick Saban was at the ESPY’s last night to accept the Icon Award, a recognition he has undoubtedly earned, and during his speech the ole ball coach shared some extremely powerful thoughts.
Despite being widely regarded as the greatest coach in college football history, Saban chose to focus on a different message while accepting the award.
“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. People aren’t going to remember what you say, they’re going to remember how you made them feel,” Saban said during his acceptance speech.
"People aren't going to remember what you say, they're going to remember how you made them feel."
Even in retirement, Nick Saban still dishing out some of the best life lessons.
First class coach. First class father. First class Man pic.twitter.com/o7eHuwvOC7 [1]
— Nick Perkins (@NickyPerkss) July 12, 2024 [2]
It’s hard to argue with his sentiment. Saban’s words reflect a profound truth about human interaction and something that we all should aspire to live by.
ICON AWARD 👏
Congratulations, Coach Nick Saban#RollTide [3] pic.twitter.com/Uy4FwxtQ9J [4]
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) July 12, 2024 [5]
Want more Saban life wisdom? Listen to just another example of how Saban coached young men, not just in football but in life.
Nick Saban 💯
“If we’re teaching you —
you need to listen & learn.
How many ears do I have?
How many mouths?
My dad always told me —
that meant God wanted you to listen
twice as much as you talk. Try it.”
📽YouTube via Tim Luckey pic.twitter.com/B7coRZ0YfY [6]
— Jaycob Ammerman (@Jammer2233) July 28, 2019 [7]
Saban’s advice is always timeless and universally applicable. Never change coach.