"Eh, Roll Tide": Canadians Are Flocking to Tuscaloosa to Kiss the Feet of Nick Saban's Statue
Local officials report a surge in polite, sunburned visitors who apologize to the bronze before kneeling.
Tuscaloosa, Ala. Something strange is happening on the Walk of Champions. Every morning, before the sprinklers shut off, a line of polite, sunburned people in fleece vests forms in front of the Nick Saban statue. They wait their turn. Nobody cuts. And when they reach the front, they kneel and kiss the statue's bronze shoes.
They are Canadians. And they cannot be stopped.
"We started noticing it in August," said Darlene Pruitt, who sells boiled peanuts near Bryant-Denny Stadium. "First it was one minivan from Ontario. Now I've got a fella from Saskatchewan who comes every Saturday and tells the statue about his week. He apologized to me for standing in my shade."
Groundskeepers report the toes of the statue's left shoe have been polished to a mirror shine. Items recently left at the base include three Tim Hortons cups, a jar of maple syrup, and a handwritten note reading "Please come coach the Leafs."
Why Saban? Why Now?
Experts point to several factors.
Leading the Pilgrimage
Among the most devoted is Lenny Wong, who was photographed at the statue this month in an Alabama Football crop top and hand-cut jean shorts.
"Back home this outfit is illegal until July. Here it's just Tuesday."Lenny Wong, Canadian pilgrim
Wong reportedly trimmed the shirt himself "to let The Process breathe." Asked whether he plans to return to Canada, he said he is "taking it one play at a time."
What's Next
City leaders are considering a dedicated Apology Lane for the statue line, plus new bilingual signage reading "Roll Tide / Roulez la Marée."
Fans are reminded to please stop leaving poutine on the Walk of Champions. It attracts ants.