NO ESPN REPORT: Former Head Coach Nick Saban and Former Running Back Derrick Henry Announce Multi-Million Dollar Endorsement for Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Tuscaloosa, AL – In a stunning and unprecedented move that could redefine the future of name, image, and likeness (NIL) in college athletics, former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Heisman-winning running back Derrick Henry announced a multi-million dollar joint endorsement initiative aimed directly at bolstering the University of Alabama football program.
The announcement came during a packed press conference held at the heart of Alabama football — Bryant-Denny Stadium — where the legends of Crimson Tide past delivered a message that reverberated throughout the college football landscape: Alabama isn’t just staying competitive in the NIL era — it’s aiming to lead.
Standing before a backdrop of championship banners and a crowd of media, donors, and students, Saban and Henry appeared united by a common mission. Though both have long since moved on from Saturdays in Tuscaloosa — Saban into retirement and Henry into NFL stardom — their loyalty to the Crimson Tide hasn’t faded.
“Even though I’m not on the sidelines anymore, my heart has never left Alabama,” said Saban, who retired in January 2024 after 17 seasons with the Tide and six national championships. “This university built a culture of excellence, and it’s time to ensure that excellence is protected and passed forward — especially in this new era of college football.”
Henry, now a seasoned NFL veteran and among the league’s most feared running backs, echoed Saban’s sentiments.
“Alabama gave me everything,” Henry said. “It gave me discipline, purpose, and a platform to chase greatness. Coach Saban believed in me, and now we’re paying it forward — not just with money, but with belief in the next generation.”
According to internal documents shared during the press conference — and notably absent from any ESPN coverage — the endorsement is valued at $12.5 million over the next five years. The funds will be directed into a carefully structured NIL collective, supporting active Alabama football players with legitimate brand partnerships, community engagement opportunities, and mentorship programs spearheaded by both Saban and Henry.
The initiative is being privately funded by Saban and Henry in collaboration with a small group of influential Alabama alumni and business owners. It represents one of the largest athlete-coach backed NIL endorsements in the nation.
But the money, Saban made clear, comes with structure.
“We’re not just throwing cash around,” he said. “Every dollar must serve a purpose. We want to teach these young men how to build a brand, build a life, and build leadership.”
The initiative, dubbed “The Crimson Standard Endorsement”, will also include:
- Mentorship sessions with Henry and Saban for current players on financial literacy, professionalism, and personal brand development.
- Paid appearances and social media promotions through partnerships with local and national brands affiliated with the University.
- Academic performance incentives tied to NIL deals to promote the “student” in student-athlete.
- Community outreach campaigns, with players participating in charitable events and youth development programs across Alabama.
While college football has been navigating the complexities of NIL since its legalization in 2021, the move by Saban and Henry signals a new phase of alumni-driven player support. Their timing is strategic.
Alabama football, while still a national powerhouse, is navigating life under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over after Saban’s departure. Though DeBoer led the Tide to a respectable 11–2 season and a Sugar Bowl win, the program faces fierce competition from programs like Georgia, Michigan, Texas, and Oregon, all heavily investing in NIL.
“We’re in a transition,” Saban acknowledged. “But transition doesn’t mean decline. It means opportunity. With the right resources and leadership, Alabama will not only maintain its standard — we will redefine it.”
Derrick Henry added, “We’ve watched other schools get aggressive with NIL, and it’s time Alabama flexes its muscle in the right way — the Alabama way.”
Sources within the Crimson Tide locker room told Tide Insider that players were “electrified” by the announcement. Several players took to social media to express their gratitude and excitement.
Sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Bond tweeted, “Coach Saban and King Henry just dropped the mic. Bama family stays Bama strong.”
Quarterback Jalen Milroe, who is expected to lead the offense once again in 2025, posted on Instagram: “Legacy moves only. Thank you Coach Saban and big bro Derrick for believing in US.”
Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who was also present at the press conference, praised the initiative as “a bold statement that Alabama is still the gold standard.”
“What Coach Saban and Derrick have done today is bigger than money. It’s leadership,” DeBoer said. “Our players now know they have the support of legends behind them.”
The title of the event — “No ESPN Report” — wasn’t just symbolic. Saban began the conference with a pointed remark: “You probably won’t see this on ESPN. That’s fine. We’re not here for headlines. We’re here for the future of Alabama football.”
The jab didn’t go unnoticed. Over the years, Saban has been both praised and criticized by national media outlets. Since his retirement, ESPN’s focus has shifted toward younger coaches and newer programs, occasionally overlooking Alabama’s behind-the-scenes moves.
The deliberate exclusion of ESPN from the press list was confirmed by multiple attendees. The Crimson Tide opted instead to invite local and regional outlets, plus select independent media, in what may be a broader push to control the narrative from within.
“Sometimes, the biggest moves happen when the cameras aren’t looking,” Henry added.
Beyond athletics, both Saban and Henry emphasized the business and educational aspects of their initiative.
“Football is only part of the story,” Saban said. “If we don’t prepare these kids for life — to manage money, build character, and lead families — then we’ve failed.”
Henry plans to host a summer mentorship camp in Tuscaloosa as part of the initiative, bringing in NFL players, financial advisors, and branding experts. Participation will be voluntary, but players who complete the program will be eligible for enhanced NIL bonuses from “The Crimson Standard.”
“There’s no shortcut to greatness,” Henry said. “This isn’t a handout — it’s a hand up.”
The ripple effects of the Saban-Henry endorsement are already being felt across the college football world. Rival programs are reportedly reevaluating their NIL strategies. Recruits are paying close attention. And within Tuscaloosa, the energy is palpable.
Five-star defensive end Kamari Wilson, a 2026 prospect, tweeted: “Alabama just became even harder to say no to.”
NIL experts have praised the move as a watershed moment. Jay Mitchell, an NIL consultant with GamePlan Strategies, said, “This might be the blueprint — trusted alumni investing directly into programs with integrity, structure, and mentorship.”
Even non-football students at the University of Alabama expressed pride. Business major Jasmine Lee, attending the event, said: “Seeing two legends care this much about future generations — it makes me proud to be part of this university.”
While the lights have dimmed at Bryant-Denny for another offseason, the impact of Monday’s press conference is still reverberating. In a time when NIL deals are often transactional, Nick Saban and Derrick Henry have offered something far more lasting: vision, mentorship, and belief.
Their endorsement — rich in both dollars and meaning — is more than just a gift to Alabama football. It’s a legacy move. A play not for attention, but for transformation.
In the words of Saban, “Excellence isn’t a moment. It’s a standard. And that standard lives on — in every player, every play, and every promise we keep.”