Nick Saban credits Bryce Young for playing through injury

Bryce Young could have very easily called it quits for Alabama this season. In a time where players protect themselves as investments more than ever, the Crimson Tide QB, 2021 Heisman winner, and top NFL Draft prospect could have chosen to play it safe after spraining his AC joint this season. Still, he continued to fight alongside his teammates and Nick Saban says that that speaks volumes about his quarterback.

Saban praised Young’s toughness and grit following their 49-27 Iron Bowl win over Auburn. He says he can see how it could have hurt Young or his teammates by him playing at less than 100%. In the end, though, he knew his QB wanted to compete and help his program win.

“It was really an example of his grit, his determination, his character, and his commitment to the team. Because he wanted to play for the team, even in those weeks that he couldn’t really throw much in practice,” Saban said. “It might have hurt our development a little bit for the rest of the players on our team. But he still went out and played really, really well, prepared well. I’m sure he played with a little pain at times.”

Young missed one game after suffering the injury at Arkansas. Since his return at Tennessee, Young went on to throw for 1,805 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only two interceptions on a 63.6% completion rate over his final six games.

Again, Young could have just as easily called it a career. He had nothing else to prove to anyone in college football or to pro scouts. However, he added another layer to his evaluation as he showed a level of perseverance that you can’t measure. Since he did, Saban says he’s grateful to Young for what he put on display over what were some of his final games as a member of the Tide.

“(It) shows the kind of mental toughness that he has. But the guy’s a great competitor,” Saban said. “He has great grit and I can’t say enough about what he’s done for our team this year.”