During a special commencement event at the University of Alabama, legendary football coach Nick Saban took a moment to reflect on a memorable encounter he had with former President Donald Trump. Speaking to the 2025 graduating class, Saban shared an amusing and unexpected story from the Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2018 visit to the White House following their national championship victory.
Trump, who was on campus to deliver the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, had invited the national champions to the White House that year — a tradition for championship-winning teams. According to Saban, Trump was not only the first president to invite Saban and the Crimson Tide into the prestigious Oval Office but also showed a warmer, more humorous side than many might expect.
Saban recalled walking into the Oval Office with three team captains, one of whom was linebacker Rashaan Evans. Inside, the team couldn’t help but notice a prominent red button on the President’s desk — a small, seemingly mysterious device housed in a large, elegant box.
“The president is really nice to everybody, and he’s got this very big, good-looking, auspicious box on his desk that has a red button on top,” Saban recounted. One of the players joked nervously, asking, “Is that what you launch the missiles with?”
Trump, leaning into the moment with his trademark bravado and sense of humor, encouraged the player to push it. “‘Well, push it and find out,’” Trump said with a grin. The player hesitated, understandably unsure of the consequences. Trump persisted, saying, “Go ahead. Push it, see what happens.”
It was Rashaan Evans who finally mustered the courage to press the button.
Instead of a dramatic national emergency unfolding, the door opened and a White House staffer entered with a Coca-Cola on a silver tray — much to the delight and relief of everyone in the room. “Some lady came in with a Coke on a tray,” Saban said, laughing along with the audience. The story served as a lighthearted reminder of Trump’s ability to surprise and entertain, even in the most formal of settings.
Trump’s appearance in Tuscaloosa for the commencement was met with considerable attention. It marked a rare moment where sports, politics, and education intersected on a grand stage. Saban, who retired in 2023 after a storied 17-year run with Alabama that included six national championships, introduced Trump with admiration and gratitude.
“I really want to express my appreciation to President Trump for choosing the University of Alabama for his commencement address,” Saban said. “And making time to speak to our graduates.”
The moment symbolized more than just a meeting of a former coach and a former president — it was a celebration of achievement, tradition, and mutual respect. For the graduates, it was a unique sendoff. And for Saban, it was another memory from a remarkable career filled with iconic moments, both on and off the field.
