Half a century-long legacy. That is what Nick Saban left behind as he announced his retirement from college football. From being a defensive back at Kent State to raking in a total of seven national championships as a coach, the iconic mentor finally hung his boots. It is no secret that Justin Thomas is a football lover, and upon the veteran’s retirement, the 30-year-old golfer could not hold back his emotions.

The former world no. 1 took to his Instagram to dish out a long, heartfelt farewell message for the dear legend. Meanwhile, he did so with a tinge of gratification, all the while expressing his admiration for the coach, who had an “astonishing” impact on many individuals!

Justin Thomas reacts to Nick Saban’s retirement

The PGA Tour pro shared a post on his Instagram handle, mentioning how he couldn’t “begin to thank” the ex-Alabama Football instructor “enough” for all that he did for him. From being “gracious” towards the golfer’s family to “spending time with him” while being “a soundboard” that he could talk to, it seems the instructor truly is a special person in JT’s life.

Continuing with his praise, Thomas, who is an avid Football fan himself, highlighted how much of an “astonishing” impact coach Saban had “on so many individuals” at the University of Alabama. Moreover, he also emphasized the care he had for “every one of his players” while pushing them “to get the best out of them every single day,” while expressing admiration for the “work ethic” the mentor displayed.

Well, the two-time major champ did not forget to thank the mentor once again while regretting the absence of the 72-year-old “on the sidelines,” as he confessed, “you will be missed.” However, that did not stop Thomas from hilariously taking a small dig at the coach while indicating how he would enjoy “kicking your (sic) a** on the golf course” soon.

PGA Tour pro shares respect for Saban

Being able to complete 17 seasons as the coach of a team is a huge achievement. This undoubtedly puts someone like Saban on a different level. This is exactly what Tony Finau pointed out as well, as he took to Thomas’s post to share his respect for the iconic mentor: “One of a kind!!”

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The 72-year-old took over the position of head coach at Alabama University back in 2007. Since then, the team has experienced 201 wins while losing only 29 times, taking his tally to a total of 292 victories, 71 losses, and one tie as a college instructor. This iconic record does shed light on why he was able to cement his status as one of the greats. Thomas and Finau couldn’t be any more right. Take a bow, Saban. You deserve it!

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