Former Alabama star reflects on how mid-game clash with Nick Saban almost caused him to transfer
Nick Saban was revered by NFL decision-makers because of his ability to churn pro-ready players and work ethics through Alabama and into the next level. Drafting an Alabama star meant you were getting someone who maximized their gifts and were often able to hit the field early and give value to their new team. Former […]
Nick Saban was revered by NFL decision-makers because of his ability to churn pro-ready players and work ethics through Alabama and into the next level. Drafting an Alabama star meant you were getting someone who maximized their gifts and were often able to hit the field early and give value to their new team.
Former star running back and 2019 first-round pick Josh Jacobs fit into that description. Despite totaling only 251 carries and 48 receptions over three seasons in a loaded backfield, Jacobs was taken 24th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Through six NFL seasons, Jacobs has been an above-average back and has justified being taken so highly. He's racked up 6,874 yards and 61 touchdowns on the ground, including leading the NFL in rushing in 2022.
The current Green Bay Packers star wasn't sure he was going to finish his career at Alabama, though. He had an in-game clash with Saban that caused him to rethink his future with the program while on the sideline of a major game against Ole Miss.
Jacobs broke down the dramatic instance on Bussin With The Boys.
"I clashed with Saban a couple of times and I finally spazzed on Saban one game. My junior year against Ole Miss, I had scored. Henry Ruggs' little brother played linebacker. He's holding on to me like six yards in the end zone, still grabbing me. We had some words and they throw a flag. I already know what's coming, it's Saban.
Saban cussed me out, I was like alright, I eat it. But then a couple of drives go back, and he came back to cuss me out again. I got up and I'm like yeah, we had some words. We got to halftime and I'm taking my pads off like I'm done. I'm finna transfer to Oregon or Oklahoma.
I cried, like what more do you want me to do? We come back out after halftime and I'm returning punts. They kick the ball to me and I return it 60, 70 yards. I didn't even celebrate, I just stared at Saban the whole time. That conversation changed everything between me and him.
We became kind of tight after that because the thing about Saban that I've learned is that he respects people who talk back to him. Not disrespect him, but have the balls to say something to him."
Jacobs finished that game against Ole Miss with only 18 rushing yards and one touchdown on six carries and one catch for 18 yards. He added two returns for 101 yards, though. Alabama won that matchup 62-7.
Though he reached only 1,491 yards and 16 touchdowns over three seasons, Jacobs emerged when Alabama needed him most. He was part of the team's 2017 National Championship run.
