Deion Sanders, Alex Rodriguez React to Nick Saban Retiring After 17 Years and 6 Championships with Alabama

"It is not just about how many games we won and lost, but it's about the legacy and how we went about it," Saban said in his retirement announcement Wednesday

Colleagues, fans and followers are sharing a mix of admiration and surprise at the news of the retirement of legendary Alabama football head coach Nick Saban.

The 72-year-old made the announcement on Wednesday after 17 seasons with the Crimson Tide, capping an illustrious head coaching career that saw him win a record seven national championships — six with Alabama and one with LSU.

"The University of Alabama has been a very special place to Terry and me," Saban said in a statement on behalf of himself and his wife. "It is not just about how many games we won and lost, but it's about the legacy and how we went about it. We always tried to do it the right way."

From fellow college football coaches to iconic athletes, the news of Saban stepping away drew widespread reaction.

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"WOW! I knew it would happen 1 day soon but not this soon," Colorado head coach Deion Sanders wrote on X. "The game has change so much that it chased the GOAT away. College football let's hold up our mirrors and say HONESTLY what u see."

Former Yankees slugger and current Minnesota Timberwolves co-owner Alex Rodriguez shared a photo of himself — wearing an Alabama half-zip — and the coach, and thanked Saban for his accomplishments.

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“Congratulations on a legendary career #NickSaban,” Rodriguez wrote on X. “Thanks for all the football memories, your leadership and passion for the game have left a mark on the sports world forever.

For former Alabama and NFL stars Mac Jones and Mark Ingram II, memories of playing for Saban loom large.

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“Thank you for believing in me,” Jones wrote on Instagram alongside a carousel of images of himself and the coach, including one snap of them celebrating their 2021 College Football Playoff national championship. “Thank you for teaching me the process. Thank you for the invaluable football and life lessons you taught me and so many other players, coaches, families, friends, and fans. Thank you to the greatest college coach of all time!”

“Coach Saban is the GOAT!!” Ingram wrote on X. “Thanks for believing in a young man from Flint, Michigan. Helped me become a champion on the field, but more importantly a champion in LIFE. Enjoy retirement Coach, you earned that!! Love you Coach Saban, ROLL TIDE!”

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