QB Blake Sims pens letter to Alabama, Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin

When Alabama fans and media were focused on Florida State transfer Jacob Coker last spring as the potential starting quarterback for the Tide, coach Nick Saban often warned that Blake Sims shouldn’t be overlooked.

And for that, Sims was grateful.

The departed senior, who started one season for the Tide and signed a free agent deal with the Green Bay Packers, penned a thank you letter through Bleacher Report, in which he thanked Saban, coach Lane Kiffin and fans for their support.

Here is part of the letter:

I went to the University of Alabama to become a man. When he was recruiting me, Coach Saban gave me his word that when I left, I would leave a grown man with a degree.

He kept his word.

Coach Saban was like a father figure to me. Words can’t explain how much he has taught me about life and how much better prepared I am for success than when I showed up in Tuscaloosa. Whenever I was wrong, he would let me know “Blake, that’s not the way that a man acts. That’s not how a professional quarterback acts.” Our relationship could not be stronger.

…

I also want to say thank you to Coach Kiffin for everything he has done for me. He taught me how to be a quarterback and had my back when I was down and out. He was always there for me and gave me great advice. I knew I could go talk to him about anything, no matter what the situation was.

And to the Crimson Tide fans, keep being the best fanbase in the country. Trust in Coach Saban and whoever he starts at any position. Believe in that player as you believed in me. I’m a prime example of what happens when fans get behind somebody and believe in them.

After last year, I wish I could play another season in Tuscaloosa, but God has a plan for me. He gave me an opportunity, and I took advantage of it. If I had to re-do my career at Alabama, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Sims also thanked his teammates, including former Tide running back Trent Richardson, who Sims called “big brother.”

Sims helped lead the Tide to an SEC title and a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff. He set a school record with 3,487 passing yards.

This was a nice gesture, especially for a fanbase that didn’t necessarily believe Sims was the best man for the job at the beginning of the season.

For more Alabama news, visit TideSports.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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