Nick Saban is forever a legend in CFB. After 17 years at Alabama and 6 national titles, his legacy is untouchable. But before Tuscaloosa, Saban made a serious noise at LSU—most notably leading the Tigers to a 2003 BCS National Title win over the Sooners. However, this week, he was honored again and inducted into the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame for that LSU run. And now, in a twist of fate, an Alabama prodigy recruited by Saban is making headlines—opening up about a raw, heartfelt moment shared with a father-son duo tied to his own journey.
On the April 10th episode of the New Wave Podcast, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. gave fans a VIP pass inside Alabama’s jaw-dropping $300 million Mal Moore Football Facility. Well, from elite training zones to first-class dining, it’s where Bama players eat, grind, and vibe. But during the tour, things got real. Standing in the presence of championship history, Dre dropped a raw confession, saying, “You just see our precious 18 rings. At nighttime, you can see the glare pointed on the ground—18 rings; it’s beautiful. I look at my dad almost every day. I remember exactly where he is in the middle. He was actually on this team, too. I can’t point him out right now, but yeah, I look at him every day. Fuel Alabama by Bama.” So, a legacy moment in a building built on greatness.
As of now, from one generation to the next, the Kirkpatricks are leaving their mark on Tuscaloosa. Dre Kirkpatrick Sr. suited up for Alabama from 2009 to 2011, eventually becoming a first-round NFL pick by the Bengals. Now, his son, Bama DB Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., is carrying the torch in Crimson and White. Last season, Alabama saw history repeat itself—this time with a family twist. When asked about coaching both father and son back in 2023 when he was still the Bama coach, Nick Saban didn’t hold back and said, “Little Dre is a mature guy that kind of knows what he wants. He’s a very competitive guy. His dad had a lot of those same characteristics. That’s why he became the kind of player he was.” Moreover, Saban added that both men are “good people” and part of a “great family.” You can say, a legacy built on grit, loyalty, and Crimson pride.
However, while walking through Alabama’s iconic Mal Moore facility, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. paused at a wall lined with championship rings and legends. As the camera rolled, he pointed out one in particular—his father’s. But with a grin, he dropped a gem of a quote, stating, “A pretty solid ring—1925, 100 years ago. It’s a pretty solid ring. You got to find my guy, my favorite player to come through Alabama—myself. I’m my favorite player. But we got some guys that come through.” Although it was classic Jr.—confident, witty, and proud. But the gesture said it all. As he pointed to his dad’s name, the message was clear: His favorite player? The man who paved the way.
You know, Nick Saban made Crimson Tide history by recruiting the son of a former Alabama player for the first time. And reflecting on the full-circle moment, Saban said, “I think it’s great.” Look, throughout his 17-season reign at Bama, Saban had coached sons of former players before—but never at the same school. Back in the day, he mentored Mark Ingram Sr. at Michigan State and, later, Mark Ingram II at Bama.
And here, Saban had nothing but praise for Jr.’s father. “(Kirkpatrick) has been a really good ambassador for the program,” stated Saban, adding, “Was a great player here. Had a great NFL career. So you really appreciate that part of it. I know how proud he is of his son, what his son has been able to accomplish, and for his son to be able to have an opportunity to come to Alabama.” However, Saban didn’t get the chance to coach the Junior. He played his first snap under the new head coach, Kalen DeBoer.
While Nick Saban admired the legacy of the former Alabama star, the real question is—what does Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. think of his dad’s Crimson Tide highlights? Turns out, Jr. isn’t just proud—he’s inspired. To be honest, watching his father’s journey through the Alabama program fuels his own fire to carry on the family legacy in Tuscaloosa.
For Alabama DB, his dad’s legacy is fuel
Alabama just gained a new podcast host—sophomore DB Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. He’s joining teammates Jaylen Mbakwe and Ryan Williams on the “New Wave Podcast.” There, Dre’s first big move? Breaking down his dad’s iconic highlight reel. Well, Dre Kirkpatrick Sr., a Gadsden native, was a star CB for Alabama, winning 2 BCS national titles. On top of that, as a 2011 All-American and standout in the SEC, he was drafted No. 17 by the Bengals in 2012. And then, over a decade in the NFL, he racked up 13 interceptions and 365 tackles.
Here, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. is ready to follow in his father’s footsteps and make his own mark on Alabama’s defense in 2025. Reflecting on his dad’s iconic interception during Alabama’s 2010 win over Arkansas, Kirkpatrick recalled the excitement on the sidelines, stating, “When I get my pick, I don’t care what’s going on. We turnt up.” Not only this, but he’s also proud to call his father a “head hunter,” adding, “That’s really what I am.”
On top of that, Kirkpatrick Jr. also believes he inherited his father’s speed, claiming he’s “faster than Ryan Williams.” So, the legacy is clear, and Dre Jr. is primed to carry the torch. As of now, Kirkpatrick Jr. is ready to bring his father’s signature swag back to Alabama’s defense. “We have to bring that swag back,” he said, eager to add his own flair. Look, after three tackles in 2024, he’s set to take a bigger role in the nickel back position for 2025.
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