Patrick Surtain Recalls the Mistake That Drew Nick Saban’s Ire originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II recently joined Johnny Manziel on his podcast, “Glory Daze,” to revisit his journey from a highly touted Alabama Crimson Tide recruit to becoming the 2024 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time First-Team All-Pro. Among the highlights of the conversation was Surtain’s recollection of an unforgettable misstep during his freshman year under legendary Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.
Known widely for his relentless pursuit of excellence and demanding coaching style, Nick Saban maintains a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to his defensive backs. Surtain, who thrived under Saban’s watchful eye, described the coach’s intensity.
“Not a lot of people know Saban really works with the DBs each and every day,” Surtain shared. Reflecting on his freshman year at Alabama, he recalled a specific moment when his understanding of the team’s intricate playbook was tested. Describing the playbook’s intimidating size, Surtain humorously compared its complexity to “reading Chinese.”
“I went over it in the notes,” Surtain explained. “Then we get into practice, one team period, and I got in there. First play called was that exact play. So in my head, I’m thinking, ‘What’s my role? What’s this coverage?'”
Unfortunately for the young cornerback, his hesitation resulted in a blown assignment. “Obviously, I (expletive) it up,” admitted Surtain. “The guy I was supposed to cover was wide open.”
This error immediately drew Coach Saban’s notorious wrath.
Surtain vividly remembered the aftermath: “I go back to the huddle. Next thing you know, I see a whole straw bucket hat fly on the ground. He’s yelling, ‘(Expletive), Patrick! We went over this in the film meeting room! You gotta get your (expletive) together!’ He was on me about it the whole day.”
Despite the harsh critique, Surtain credited Saban’s relentless approach as key to his own development and consistency. “That’s what he expects out of his guys: greatness,” said Surtain. “Being able to apply what you see in the meeting room to the field. After that, I didn’t mess up one thing again. I kept the coaches’ trust.”
This anecdote emerges amid ongoing speculation about Saban’s future, with rumors swirling about a possible comeback after his January 2024 retirement. Regardless of the coach’s next move, stories like Surtain’s underscore the disciplined, championship-caliber culture that Saban has instilled in countless athletes during his time with the Crimson Tide.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.