On the outside looking in, everyone seems to have the same view on Alabama Football—a program that’s solely focused on winning and striving for perfection.

What people don’t know is that the Crimson Tide’s continued success is a result of something much more than that.

Jonathan Allen, a former Alabama captain, provides a first-hand account as to what makes the Tide’s culture so special in an article for the Player Tribune. 

Just about every player that steps foot on campus in Tuscaloosa has plenty of awards and accolades to his name. Allen notes that once players arrive at Bama, however, it doesn’t matter if they were an All-American or a five star recruit.

“We don’t dwell on where we’ve been, or worry about where we’re headed. We succeed here by focusing on where we are. And where we are is at Alabama. Together,” said Allen.

As Allen points out, some players aren’t ready for that challenge when they reach Alabama. Every player has the talent, but it takes discipline in order to be successful. It’s no longer about “I”, but “we”.

The cultivator of the successful culture at Alabama is head coach Nick Saban. Allen describes how Saban takes a no-nonsense approach when visiting with recruits, maintaining honesty and avoiding making any promises. Saban builds an atmosphere of saying things how they are. When he tells his players something, they believe him whole-heartedly.

When Alabama lost in the National Championship game to Clemson, Allen described it as the toughest thing he ever experienced on the football field. In the locker room, Saban said “one game doesn’t define you.” With the culture he had created, his players believed him. The seniors held their heads high despite ending their college careers with a devastating loss.

It’s easy to point to the talent on its roster as the reason for Alabama’s success. However, Allen’s essay shows that a culture built on discipline and honesty—set forth by Saban—is an indispensable driver of the Alabama dynasty.

It serves as a reminder to all coaches, regardless of whether they’re coaching five-star athletes or high school players who will never suit up again—that culture matters in a big way.