Former record-setting Alabama quarterback Blake Sims wants Alabama fans, the city of Tuscaloosa and especially Nick Saban to know how appreciative he is of his tenure with the Crimson Tide.

Sims went undrafted on Day 3 on the NFL draft, but his confidence has never wavered in his next career step. Sims has a mini-camp tryout with the Green Bay Packers next week in hopes of signing a free agent deal.

He wrote an open letter, a goodbye of sorts, to Alabama as told to Bleacher Report’s Marc Torrence.

Here’s a couple excerpts from the letter:

I went to the University of Alabama to become a man. When he was recruiting me, Coach Saban gave me his word that when I left, I would leave a grown man with a degree.

He kept his word.

Coach Saban was like a father figure to me. Words can’t explain how much he has taught me about life and how much better prepared I am for success than when I showed up in Tuscaloosa. Whenever I was wrong, he would let me know “Blake, that’s not the way that a man acts. That’s not how a professional quarterback acts.” Our relationship could not be stronger.

Sims also thanked Crimson Tide fans for their unquestioned passion and support.

And to the Crimson Tide fans, keep being the best fanbase in the country. Trust in Coach Saban and whoever he starts at any position. Believe in that player as you believed in me. I’m a prime example of what happens when fans get behind somebody and believe in them.

After last year, I wish I could play another season in Tuscaloosa, but God has a plan for me. He gave me an opportunity, and I took advantage of it. If I had to re-do my career at Alabama, I wouldn’t change a thing.