After Coach Bryant celebrated his 300th college football victory, in 1980, a reprint of an interview by author Clyde Bolton was published in "The Birmingham News" when he was reflecting back on his success as a football coach, leader and mentor. During this interview he was put on the spot and asked if he had a "favorite player." Coach Bryant named off a number of players that he thought of highly during the previous 22 years at Alabama and during his 30 year coaching career. He took a pause at that point and said, "You'll have to forgive me here for getting sentimental." He then responded in turn with a deliberate answer to the question, " ... Pat Trammell was [not just my favorite player, but the favorite person... of my entire life."