In a groundbreaking development for college football, two of the University of Alabama’s most iconic figures—legendary former head coach Nick Saban and Heisman Trophy-winning running back Derrick Henry—have joined forces to announce a multi-million dollar endorsement initiative aimed at supporting the Alabama Crimson Tide football program. The announcement, made during a press conference held at Bryant-Denny Stadium, has sent waves through the college sports community.
Saban, who retired in early 2024 after a historic coaching career that included seven national championships and cemented Alabama’s place as a football dynasty, emphasized that the initiative is about “legacy and opportunity.” Partnering with Henry, one of the most dominant running backs in NCAA history and a star in the NFL, the two are launching the “Tide Legacy Foundation.” The foundation will provide enhanced resources for player development, academic support, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities for current and future student-athletes.
“This university has given both of us so much,” said Saban. “Now it’s our turn to give back in a way that creates real, lasting opportunities for young men chasing their dreams.”
Derrick Henry echoed the sentiment, sharing his personal journey from Yulee, Florida to becoming a Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama and later an NFL rushing champion. “Coach Saban helped shape me—not just as a player, but as a man. What we’re doing today is about paying that forward, investing in the next generation of players who will wear the Crimson Tide jersey.”
The endorsement, estimated to be in the range of \$10–15 million, will focus on several core pillars. First, it will fund upgrades to training and medical facilities, ensuring Alabama continues to compete at the highest level. Second, the foundation will create scholarships and academic support systems for underprivileged athletes. Finally, the initiative will provide financial literacy education and business mentorships to help athletes navigate the complexities of NIL contracts and life beyond football.
Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne praised the initiative, calling it “a transformative investment in the future of Alabama Football and a testament to what it means to be part of the Crimson Tide family.”
The announcement arrives at a time when college athletics is rapidly evolving, with NIL policies reshaping the landscape. With former stars like Saban and Henry stepping up to help guide that evolution, Alabama continues to position itself as a leader in the new era of college football.
For Alabama fans, this is more than an endorsement—it’s a promise that the Crimson Tide tradition of excellence will endure, both on and off the field. And with legends like Nick Saban and Derrick Henry leading the charge, the future looks as bright as ever.
