Former Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain had his most personal success while he was a student and athlete at Alabama.
The newly retired McClain has returned to the University of Alabama to continue his education according to his college head coach Nick Saban.
“I know a lot of people get disappointed in Rolando McClain and a lot of the things he’s struggled with,” Saban said, “but he’s with us now.”
McClain was an All American and the Butkus Award winner in 2009. He was selected with the 8th pick by the Raiders in the 2010 NFL Draft, but never panned out.
After signing with the Ravens this off-season, McClain retired with the $23 million guaranteed he earned in Oakland. Saban though still has love for his former player, and spoke highly of him at an event last night.
“That guy was a phenomenal leader,” Saban said. “He affected everybody in the organization at a time when we needed leadership because we had a lot of bad things happen when I first got there.”