Terrion Arnold explains impact Miss Terry has had on Alabama's program

Nick Saban isn’t the only one who Alabama football lost on Wednesday. With the 72-year-old’s retirement, the Crimson Tide faithful will also see far less of Saban’s wife, commonly known as Miss Terry. During an appearance on “The Next Round,” Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold explained the impact Miss Terry has had on the program.

“When I had my meeting [with Nick Saban], we talked about what we talked about and stuff and after that, Miss Terry called me,” Arnold recalled. “When she calls me, she says she had a surprise for me. So I go over to their house.

“When I go over to their house, Miss Terry, she has me a book. It’s a book that her and Coach Saban read on the daily and it’s kind of like Greek mythology. It’s just a quote for every day, and it’s just a testament to her.”

Arnold and Miss Terry have a special relationship. In the past, Saban has claimed Arnold is like one of their “children.” Saban is tough on 6-foot redshirt sophomore while Miss Terry spoils him. Arnold hasn’t taken Miss Terry’s kindness for granted.

During this season, Arnold began hunting down Miss Terry after wins and embracing her in a bear hug. After Arnold got home, he’d often find motivational messages from his friend. Arnold isn’t the only one who Miss Terry has impacted.

Miss Terry is the ‘heartbeat’

“When she gave me the book she said, ‘You can start reading it if you can at the beginning of the year.’ But, I couldn’t read my book because it was ripped out all the way until January 19. I’m like, ‘Miss Terry, why’s it ripped out all the way to January 19?’ Miss Terry said, ‘I had to rip out some of the pages and I had to send it to Henry Ruggs.’

“When you’re incarcerated, she said you can’t send books and so you have to do it by pages… That’s just a testament to who she is. Miss Terry has really, really been there for former ‘Bama players, current ‘Bama players, and just been that heartbeat. I really mean it a lot when I say she’s been like a best friend to me.”

Terrion Arnold will need his best friend more than ever this year. Last week, Arnold declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. In 2023, Arnold earned second-team All-America accolades from CBS Sports and Pro Football Focus after recording 61 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks, a forced fumble, five interceptions and 11 pass breakups.

Arnold expressed his gratitude in his statement declaring his intent to enter the draft.

“I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support over the past three transformative years,” Arnold said in a statement. “The University and its people have molded me into the man I am today, and I am forever thankful for the extraordinary collegiate journey.”