“I managed to get in here today without a credential,” Smart remarked. Saban, now an ESPN analyst, was initially denied entry for lacking his credential on Monday. During his opening statements, Smart revisited his relationship with his former mentor from Alabama football. However, he didn’t jest at that moment; instead, he conveyed appreciation.

“I want to say a couple of words to Coach Saban, who had such a profound impact on my career,” Smart expressed. “Firstly, his words at the ESPYs recently were truly remarkable—very touching and moving. He has been a mentor, a friend, and a competitor who pushed me to improve. In the 11 years I worked under him, there was never a day we didn’t share a room together, whether it was in the defensive room, the defensive backs room, or the staff room.”

Smart acknowledged that Saban’s influence shaped who he is today. “His relentless pursuit of excellence is unmatched,” Smart continued. “The standard he set for me every day, he met himself.”

Smart highlighted that any other coach would echo similar sentiments. “Much of the success I’ve achieved, I owe to him and I’m grateful,” Smart emphasized. “I know he’ll be critiquing me today, and I welcome that.”

Smart concluded his remarks about Saban by noting a recent change: “He’s started responding to texts,” Smart mentioned. “I told people the other day, it’s the first time ever. Either someone has got his phone or he’s learned how to text. It makes all of us in his circle of friends proud because we get to reach out to him.”