Tuscaloosa, AL – May 7, 2025 — In a stunning show of Crimson Tide pride and legacy-building commitment, former Alabama head coach Nick Saban and 2015 Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry took the podium at Bryant-Denny Stadium to announce a groundbreaking multi-million dollar endorsement deal aimed at supporting Alabama Crimson Tide football. The press conference, attended by hundreds of media members, university officials, and current players, marks a historic moment in the evolving landscape of college athletics and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) support.
Saban, who retired in 2023 after leading Alabama to six national championships, appeared reinvigorated as he stepped up to the microphone beside Henry, now a Pro Bowl NFL running back and one of Alabama’s most iconic alumni. “This program gave us everything,” Saban stated, his voice steady with conviction. “Now it’s time for us to give back in a way that empowers future generations of Crimson Tide athletes to reach their potential—on and off the field.”
The endorsement deal, officially titled the Legacy Tide Initiative, involves a $12.5 million investment jointly sponsored by Saban’s foundation and Henry’s endorsement earnings. The funds will be used to enhance NIL opportunities, upgrade athletic facilities, and support mentorship programs linking current players with Alabama alumni in the NFL and business world. A portion of the funds will also support academic resources and leadership training for student-athletes.
Derrick Henry, who has long credited Alabama with shaping his professional career, echoed Saban’s sentiments. “Coach Saban taught me discipline, focus, and what it means to lead,” Henry said. “This isn’t just about money—it’s about opening doors, giving these young men tools to succeed, and preserving the culture that makes Bama great.”
The announcement comes amid increasing competition in college football’s NIL era, where top-tier programs must balance tradition with innovation. The Legacy Tide Initiative is poised to become a national model for how prominent alumni can shape the future of collegiate sports.
University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne praised the initiative, calling it “a transformative moment in Crimson Tide history.” Head coach Kalen DeBoer, Saban’s successor, stood alongside players and applauded as Saban and Henry signed symbolic checks before posing for photos with the 2025 team captains.
In addition to financial backing, the initiative includes a “Legacy Speaker Series,” featuring monthly visits from Alabama football legends, and a mentorship council co-chaired by Henry and former quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The council will advise players on brand-building, financial literacy, and post-collegiate planning.
As the press conference concluded under the spring sunlight cascading over Bryant-Denny Stadium, Saban offered one final message to the crowd: “The standard is the standard. And we’re here to make sure it stays that way for decades to come.”
The Legacy Tide Initiative officially launches July 1, 2025—just in time for fall camp, and perhaps a new chapter of Alabama dominance.
