What made Nick Saban so successful?
1. The Multi-Sport Advantage
Josh Allen’s athletic journey wasn’t limited to football. At Firebaugh High School, he was just as dominant on the basketball court and baseball diamond, even throwing 90 mph fastballs as a pitcher. That variety built his overall athleticism, improved his decision-making under pressure, and allowed him to enjoy competition without burning out.
His success shows how important it is to allow young athletes to explore multiple sports. Instead of focusing on specializing early, give kids the chance to learn new skills and develop as competitors. Playing different sports doesn’t just build better athletes; it builds kids who love the game and have a deeper toolbox of skills to draw from when it matters most. And maybe most importantly, it helps them from burning out and developing overuse injuries.
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2. From No Offers to the NFL: The Power of Grit
When no Division I schools recruited Josh Allen, he could have walked away from the sport. Instead, he found another path, starting at Reedley College, a junior college in California. He didn’t just work on his game there—he sent over 1,000 emails to college coaches, attaching his highlight film and asking for a chance. Out of all those emails, only Wyoming responded. They were the only school willing to take a chance on him, and he made the most of it.
Allen’s journey is a powerful example of grit—the kind of determination that keeps you moving forward, even when the odds feel stacked against you. His story reminds us that success isn’t about where you start, but how you handle rejection and keep going. For parents, it’s a lesson in supporting our kids when their paths aren’t straight or smooth, and for young athletes, it’s a reminder that hard work and persistence can open doors when talent alone isn’t enough.
3. Growth Over Instant Gratification
Josh Allen’s time at Wyoming wasn’t easy. A collarbone injury early in his career could have derailed everything, but he refused to let it define him. Instead, he returned stronger, leading his team to a division title and two bowl games. When he had the chance to declare early for the NFL, he chose to stay another year to sharpen his skills—a decision that speaks to his maturity and his understanding of the importance of long-term growth.
What makes Allen’s rise so meaningful is that it wasn’t just about talent. It was about resilience, patience, and a willingness to do the hard work to improve. As parents, we can learn from this by helping our kids embrace setbacks as opportunities to grow, rather than moments to give up. And for young athletes, Allen’s story shows that sometimes the best choice isn’t the easiest one—it’s the one that helps you build character and prepare for what’s next.
4. Family Values: The Backbone of Character
Allen’s family played a pivotal role in his development. Growing up on a 3,000-acre cotton farm in Firebaugh, California, he learned the values of hard work and humility. His parents, Joel and LaVonne Allen, were steadfast supporters, attending his games and fostering an environment where he could pursue his passions without undue pressure. Whether waking up at dawn to help with farm chores or finding ways to improve his game in a small town without much attention, he lived by his family’s motto: “Bloom where you’re planted.” That mindset kept him grounded and focused on doing his best with what he had, no matter the circumstances. Allen never played on teams outside of the area he grew up in.
For families, this is such a powerful lesson. You don’t need the biggest stage, the fanciest equipment, or the most attention to succeed. What matters is effort, attitude, and showing up every day with a commitment to doing your best. Allen’s story proves that success comes not from where you are but what you make of it.
