Houston Texans' Will Anderson Jr. is reaping the benefits of working alongside legendary college football coach Nick Saban.
Anderson played three seasons under Saban at Alabama and applied the lessons learned under his stewardship to his rookie season with the Texans. Saban's lessons led to Anderson receiving his first Pro Bowl nod while becoming the third player in franchise history to win Defensive Rookie of the Year — joining DeMeco Ryans (2006) and Brian Cushing (2009).
Anderson has always displayed his adoration and respect for his former college coach. And with a recent interview with The Athletic, Anderson opened up about Saban's teaches both on and off the field.
"Coach Saban is a different kind of coach," Anderson said. "He is going to love you and care for you. He is trying to prepare you for the next step in life, whether you have a life in football or not. He was like, 'I am going to love y'all like my sons. But I am going to love y'all hard, so when you get out into the real world, you are going to know how to handle it.' I think he did a really good job of helping us."
Playing under Saban came with high expectations. The results led to Anderson solidifying himself as one of the top EDGE rushers in the history of the program.
He came into the 2023 NFL Draft as arguably the top-rated prospect after recording 205 tackles and 34.5 sacks in 114 career games for the Crimson Tide.
Anderson said his favorite moment with Saban came when the future Hall of Fame coach first addressed him by his name. The moment came late during his freshman year in 2021.
"When you first get there, he was like, 'What's up 31,'" Anderson said. "'31 good play. 31 what are you doing!' And you start to do good and earn his respect. And then he goes, 'Hey Will, how are you doing.' The first time I heard him call me by my name, I almost freaked out.'
"I cannot say enough great things about coach Nick Saban. He has been a big factor in my life. He has been great to have around."
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