The former Crimson Tide star, selected No. 3 overall by the Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft, has long credited Saban for instilling discipline, relentless work ethic, and an unwavering process-oriented mindset. In the wake of Houston’s dominant 30-6 wild-card rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers — marking the franchise’s first-ever road playoff victory — Anderson invoked one of Saban’s most famous mantras during his postgame interview. Referencing head coach DeMeco Ryans’ message to avoid external hype, Anderson quipped, “Coach Saban, if you see this … we’re not taking the rat poison,” a direct nod to Saban’s warning against letting praise become a distraction that poisons focus.
That “rat poison” philosophy, honed under Saban in Tuscaloosa where Anderson won a national championship and racked up 34.5 sacks across three seasons, remains a cornerstone of his approach in the pros. The All-Pro defensive end has emphasized how Saban’s love for challenges and daily improvement translates directly to playoff intensity: “Every day is a challenge presented to you. Every game is going to be a challenge. Every season is going to be different. How can you overcome that challenge?” This mentality fueled Anderson’s career-high 12.0 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and league-leading pressure numbers during the 2025 regular season, helping anchor the NFL’s top-ranked defense.
In the Steelers matchup, Anderson’s disruptive presence was evident as Houston’s pass rush overwhelmed Aaron Rodgers, contributing to a stifling effort that held Pittsburgh to just 175 total yards. His ability to generate consistent pressure and force negative plays echoes the high-motor edge dominance he displayed at Alabama, where Saban mentored him into one of the program’s all-time greats. With the Texans now advancing to face the New England Patriots in the divisional round on January 18, Anderson’s Saban-instilled resilience positions Houston as a legitimate threat in a defense-first postseason run.
The broader impact of Saban’s influence is undeniable across the NFL playoffs, with Alabama alumni like Anderson leading elite units and former assistants coaching multiple contending teams. For Anderson, though, it’s personal — the lessons from Bryant-Denny Stadium aren’t just memories; they’re the fuel powering his pursuit of championship glory in Houston.
As the Texans eye deeper playoff success, Anderson’s continued nod to his college coach serves as a reminder: the process, the preparation, and the refusal to get complacent remain key. Roll Tide roots run deep, and they’re helping Will Anderson Jr. thrive when it matters most in the biggest games. Texans fans are loving every fiery, focused moment
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