WATCH: Nick Saban doc shows never-before-seen footage of Jalen Hurts getting benched during 2017 Natty

It’s been nearly 10 years since Nick Saban infamously benched Jalen Hurts during the 2017 National Championship in favor of Tua. 10 years later, we finally have some firsthand footage of it happening.

In the newly released Saban documentary from ESPN, the former Bama coach recounts this surreal moment. You just have to watch it for yourself, it’s nuts.

Nick Saban telling Jalen Hurts he’s benched for Tua in 2017

Wow. Never-before-seen locker room footage of Nick Saban telling Jalen Hurts he was turning to Tua Tagovailoa in the 2017 National Championship Game.

(via "Saban" on ESPN App) pic.twitter.com/ljttHhfBFr

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 9, 2026

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The look on Jalen’s and Tua’s faces say it all. Just a surreal moment for the both of them and what’s even crazier is how both of their football careers played out after that.

Tua never reached the heights everyone had for him after winning that title. He had a few good years in Miami before fading into obscurity. Whereas Jalen Hurts has two Super Bowl appearances, a win, and a Super Bowl MVP under his belt. It doesn’t really make any sense, and that’s the point. That’s why we watch sports — for moments like this.

Obviously, this is THE Jalen Hurts moment. Whenever his career is discussed, whether it’s right now or another 10 years from now, the benching will always be brought up. It set the stage for one of, if not the most remarkable career turn around I think I’ve ever seen. All thanks to Nick Saban having balls of steel and doing what had to be done for his team. Phenomenal.