Former Alabama Football coach Nick Saban posted this on Facebook after Sunday’s Super Bowl about his former QB and Super Bowl MVP:
Jalen Hurts’ story is not just about football. It’s about heart. It’s about perseverance. It’s about unwavering faith in the process, even when the world tells you that you’re not enough.
At Alabama, he was a star—leading the Crimson Tide to back-to-back national championship appearances as a freshman and sophomore. He was a warrior, a leader, a young man embodying everything that makes Alabama football great. But then, in a moment that could have shattered anyone, he was benched during the National Championship game. The spotlight he had fought for was suddenly gone.
Many would have transferred immediately. Many would have walked away, angry, bitter, defeated. But not Jalen.
He stayed.
He put his ego aside for the love of Alabama, for the love of his brothers, for the love of the game. And when the moment came—when the 2018 SEC Championship was slipping away—he stepped back onto that field, and with the poise of a champion, he led Alabama to victory. It was redemption. It was proof that he was never just a backup—he was always destined for more.
Then came the NFL, where the doubts returned. Second-round pick. Not good enough. Not a franchise QB. But Hurts? He never let the doubters define him. He never let adversity break him. He did what he always does—he worked. He grinded. He pushed himself every single day, with the same discipline, the same resilience, the same fire that made him who he is.
And tonight? Tonight, that same unshakable belief, that same relentless dedication, carried him to the mountaintop.
Jalen Hurts—once doubted, once benched, once overlooked—is now a Super Bowl Champion.
This moment isn’t just about a trophy. It’s about the man who refused to quit. The man who faced adversity head-on and never let it define him. It’s about proving that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.
To every kid who’s ever been told they weren’t good enough—Jalen Hurts is proof that discipline, faith, and perseverance will take you where doubters never will.
This is what champions are made of.
This is the Crimson Tide way.
This is Jalen Hurts.
If Saban had said, “I benched him”, rather than saying “he was benched”, I’d have more respect for Saban. Appears that this was correct decision but then why not stand on it and own it? There are many people who could use some of the character that Jalen has … including Saban.
Tears of joy hearing this…from the most awesome teacher Coach and mentor Jalen could ever had!! This Alabama family misses you both tremendously!! God Bless You Both. We will continue to pray to follow you both cause that’s what family does!! Roll Tide My Brothers!!! ??.
Debbie Skelton
Nick said it best. Yes, you can tell Jaylen was raised to have humility, to be respectful and to love God.
Love, Hurts. Jaylen, the black national anthem, Kendrick’s messages, I am here for all of it. A different pregame show. The thing is, it’s crazy because I am not an Alabama fan, but a Jaylen and Nick fan. So many people in my community wanted to see him succeed and began rooting for Jaylen even more when all that went down. The truth is that the Tide has a long history of racism and it didn’t surprise me the way it all went down. We are so proud of him and so thankful that he didn’t let that stop him from getting the championship.
Jalen am so proud of you keep going never give up God bless you and your family and team in the name of Jesus bless his holy name ? ?? amen
Way to go Mr Saban, and way to go Mr hurts. To God be the glory. Congratulations.
Jalen you were watched by millions I pray that some of the kids take you as thei role model your strength an poise for the game were there for all eyes to see when God made you he made sure you had his Dna
I’m an 84 year old woman who knew zip about football but I cheered for you when you were with Alabama. I followed your career to Oklahoma., Sooners. I watched for two nights to see where you would go from there. I try to watch every Philadelphia Eagles game. I still don’t know every thing about the game but I know a great player when I see one. Super Bowl MVP. So happy for you. God bless@
AMAZING!! THIS IS THE BEST IT’S BEEN WRITTEN!!’
Thank you coach Saban. You said it all!!! Our Bama Nation is proud of Jalen and your guidance
Co-sign Mr.Nick Saban Love every word, details had me in tears reading
Simply awesome!!!!!
I loved him as a player for Alabama. I was crushed when he was pulled from the game all those years ago but I knew he was champion. He has proven himself over and over again. I wish him much success in his future playing days and in his personal life as well. Coach Saban said it best!
Thank you Coach Saban for this tribute to Jalen Hurts. He so deserves the accolades and I am sure it means more to him that it is coming from the GOAT coach that he obviously loves and respects. I would just add that his character off the field is an inspiration to so many such as his young friend who died with cancer. Jalen truly lives life as big as humanly possible!
Well stated Saban, what a Class “A” coach. You and Jalen brought Alabama back to “life “ and the main reason I became a Bama Fan!!! You ran your program NOT the Alumni’s…highly respected you for that!!!
Nick, you left me without anything to say ? you said it all. YOU SAID IT ALL!
Nick, you left me without anything to say. You said it all. You said it ALL.
That was an awesome statement by Coach Saban I’ve been a fan of Jalen from day one he carries himself with so much pride,respect, strength and determination and he puts God first. Congratulations Jalen i knew you could do i love you so much Congratulations to Davonta and all the Alabama players and Congratulations to the whole Philadelphia Eagles team Fly Eagles Fly
Congratulations Jalen! You deserve this moment. Continue to in all your ways acknowledge God and He will continue to direct your path. Stay humble and keep God first in all of your endeavors, and He will lead you to even greater. May goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life. And for your faithfulness it’s your time.
Love that bama strong
Good on you Jalen! We were pulling for you and all the other Alabama guys all through the game!
Yeah
Ya’ll made us proud!
Jalon is the ultimate team player, unselfish, great human being, happy he achieved greatness,
Coach Saban sums it all up . Jalen Hurts was my favorite when he was at Alabama. He is a class act and not only on the football field he exemplifies that in everything he does. He is an outstanding athlete and works hard to do his best. His character speaks tons about him. He’s a man of God and always gives thanks to him. That’s an example other players should look up to. He doesn’t give himself all the glory he credits his teammates for making him the person he is. Jalen keep up the good work and I’ll be always be one of your faithful fans. I love the other Bama boys on your Eagles team. You’ll still have a strong bond and work hard to accomplish your goals. Love you Jalen Hurts! Roll Tide!
Forever ALABAMA LEGEND: Jalen Hurts:A Class Act tutored by a Class Act:Coach Nick Saban- Maker of Champions…Roll!! Tide!!Roll!!!!
Jalen Hurts, Is A Outstanding Quarter Back , He Has A Big Heart ??, For Football.
If the kids today are looking for that role model, the one to inspire you to be more, do more, and be successful …. Jalen Hurts is your ticket. Quietly and confidently, he makes his stand and shows the world how to make your mark and achieve the goals you set for yourself. Congratulations and job well done Jalen. Thank you for all the lessons you have taught myself.
THIS SHOWS WHAT TYPE OF HUMAN BOTH COACH SABAN AND JALEN HIRTS ARE. COACH SABAN RECRUITED JALEN. COACH SABAN SHOWED JALEN WHAT IT TOOK TO HAVE GREATNESS, POISE, FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE. JALEN NEVER GAVE UP. COACH SABAN INSTILLED DISCIPLINE, DETERMINATION, AND PATIENCE INTO HIS PLAYERS, AND THEN THEY BECOME BETTER HUMANS AND MEN. LET US NOT FORGET HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER DEVONTE SMITH, THE EAGLES’ CENTER AND OTHERS. HATS OFF TO COACH SABAN. WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE!
Jalen Hurt is a awesome football player I have been following him ever since he played for University of Alabama he is a awesome football player he played his position well he’s a leader play football player he’s a very humble young man I love the way he carries you can see your God Spirit young man he’s a humbling young man he’s a team leader and you couldn’t ask for anything more than that in a young man he deserve everything he get because he’s truly stay humble do everything he went through and he keep God in his life he is a truly team player I was just waiting on this day because I know it was coming for this young man stay home and keep being yourself Jalen congratulations to awesome young football player you deserve it jalen I love when you play for Alabama that’s my hometown roll tide roll Tide baby you are truly 18 player and for Oklahoma but now you is a championship player for the eagles and I love you keep up the good work nothing but goodness for you thank God for awesome young man you is congratulations congratulations Jalen Hurt it’s showtime to shine ????????????????