Terrion Arnold posts heartfelt retirement message for Nick Saban, Miss Terry

relationship between former Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold and the Nick and Terry Saban is well documented.

On Wednesday, not long after it was reported that Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban was retiring, Arnold posted to “X,” the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, and emotional message. That message was well-received by those who came across it on their news feed.

“The waves of your influence will be felt for years to come,” Arnold posted. “You’ve poured so much of yourself into so many of us, now it’s time to take care of you and, most importantly, Mrs. Terry. Thank you for all you have done for me coach!”

It was reported Wednesay that Nick Saban is retiring after leading Alabama to six national titles in 17 seasons and winning another at LSU. The 72-year-old Saban, who restored a program once ruled over by Bear Bryant to the top of the college football world since taking over in 2007. His decision was first reported by ESPN. Saban led the Crimson Tide to eight SEC championship and six national titles. Alabama lost to Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Arnold has a special relationship with Miss Terry, the first Lady of Alabama football.

Arnold, who was a guest on “The Finebaum Show,” shared what Miss Terry texted him ahead the Chattanooga game earlier this season.

“I got the text from her today,” he said. “She was saying Chattanooga is a chance to go out there and continue to grow. When you play games like this, you never want to get caught slipping. Just like she said before the Kentucky game, when you have success beating LSU, beating Tennessee, two teams you lost to last year, you tend to get hot. … You have to stay humble.”

Arnold compared Miss Terry to a mom with a knack for staying even keeled. In fact, Nick Saban likens the relationship between Miss Terry and Arnold to ‘raising your children.’

“At first, I thought coach Saban might be telling her to tell me (things), so I can go out there and relay it to the guys, but I started to pick up like, ‘This ain’t coach Saban. He’s very nice and generous, but he ain’t that generous. This got to be Miss Terry.’”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.