Jay Key was in an NFL Draft interview, then Nick Saban retired
It’s generally frowned upon to check your phone during a job interview. That’s heightened if your employer is one of 32 NFL teams with hundreds of options for limited roster spots. But sometimes, there’s an exception. Here is Jay Key’s.
It was Jan. 10 and the former Alabama defensive back was in a draft meeting with the Miami Dolphins. As they went over his versatility as a safety, their phones began to ping. Eventually, one Dolphins official paused the interview to ask a question.
“Uh, have you seen it?” Key recalled them saying Thursday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
“What are you talking about?” Key responded.
Nick Saban, Key’s now former coach who left for UA from Miami in 2007, had just retired. And like the thousands on social media reacting to the news, Key and the NFLers took a moment to register their shock. After about five minutes, Key said, they continued the interview.
Key, like multiple former Tide players in Indianapolis, has been asked by reporters about their reactions to the end of Saban’s 17-year run in Tuscaloosa. Linebacker Dallas Turner, projected to be one of the first pass rushers off the board, noted that Saban was more open to player’s comments throughout the years and seemed a little more mellow, if only slightly. Chris Braswell thought Saban would coach forever, adding to his seven national titles.
They all agree Saban’s guidance was a key part of their development, especially Key, who transferred to Alabama from UAB for his final season of college.
“It was essential for me to go in and play that level of football and play for Coach Saban for his last year,” Key said. ” … It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m glad I took advantage of it and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Key totaled 60 tackles and one interception for the Tide. He will participate in all scouting combine drills this week in Lucas Oil Stadium. He and the rest of the defensive backs, including Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry, will hit the field on Friday afternoon.
Key was also asked for his response to the rush of transfer portal departures, namely freshman safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State), and Key said there’s no ill will and the 2023 Tide will be “brothers for life.” Yet, it was a reminder of how quickly can change in the sport.
“It was a shock for me to see those guys going to the portal, but with the current state of college football, that’s kind of what it is,” said Key. “Guys have to do best what’s best for them. Coaches do what’s best for them.”
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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].