Nick Saban Introduces President Donald Trump at University of Alabama Commencement…
On Thursday night inside Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, legendary former Alabama football coach Nick Saban had the honor of introducing President Donald Trump during a commencement ceremony at the University of Alabama.
Saban began by expressing how meaningful it was for him to be part of the occasion. “It’s truly a privilege to be here for this historic moment and to introduce President Trump to the graduating class,” he said. With a bit of humor, he compared himself to an opening act for a major concert, saying it felt like he was the warm-up band for the Rolling Stones, and they were about to perform their hit “Start Me Up.”
He then congratulated the graduates on their dedication and achievements, reminding them that graduation is not just a milestone but a chance to begin building a meaningful legacy. Reflecting on his coaching career, he cited the 2009 national championship celebration where he told his team, “This is not the end, it’s the beginning,” to emphasize the importance of sustained success—a message he passed along to the graduates.
Saban acknowledged that the next stage of life brings new opportunities and challenges. He encouraged students to be intentional with their goals and to develop a consistent plan—what he calls “the process”—to achieve them. He stressed the value of self-discipline, explaining that every day presents decisions that test one’s commitment to doing what’s right.
He also shared three guiding principles that shaped his own life:
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Compassion – Treat others kindly and respectfully, because how you treat people matters more than status.
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Responsibility – Take ownership of your own path, rather than blaming others.
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Personal Excellence – Focus not on outperforming others, but on being the best version of yourself.
To close, Saban recalled a motivational speech he often gave his players, referencing Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon about doing your job with pride, even if it’s sweeping streets—doing it so well that the world takes notice.
He ended with warm wishes for the Class of 2025 from both himself and his wife, Miss Terry.
Before introducing Trump, Saban shared a light-hearted story from a 2018 visit to the White House. During their trip, Trump jokingly encouraged a player to press a red button in the Oval Office, teasing that it might launch missiles—only for it to summon a Coca-Cola on a tray.
Saban concluded by thanking Trump for choosing the University of Alabama to deliver his commencement address. He then proudly welcomed “the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.”
