Three former Alabama football defenders make the first team of the AP NFL All-Pro.
The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has long been known for producing some of the best talent in college football, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With a reputation for developing NFL-caliber players under the leadership of legendary head coach Nick Saban, it is no surprise that Alabama alumni continue to dominate at the next level. This was further solidified when three former Alabama defensive players were named to the prestigious AP NFL All-Pro First Team, an achievement that highlights both the strength of the Alabama football program and the exceptional careers of these individuals.
The three Alabama defenders—Minkah Fitzpatrick, Quinnen Williams, and DeMeco Ryans—have all become standouts in the NFL, and their recognition as All-Pro selections is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and talent. These players have made their mark in the league as elite performers at their respective positions, and their success serves as a shining example of the incredible talent pipeline that Alabama has fostered over the years.
In this article, we will explore the careers of these three former Alabama players, their paths to NFL success, and the significance of their inclusion in the AP NFL All-Pro First Team. We will also discuss how their achievements reflect on the Alabama football program and its continued dominance in producing top-tier professional athletes.
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick: The All-Pro Safety
Minkah Fitzpatrick, a star safety who played for Alabama from 2015 to 2017, was one of the first former Alabama players to earn a spot on the AP NFL All-Pro First Team. Fitzpatrick’s career in the NFL has been nothing short of spectacular, earning him multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. His 2024 season continued to solidify his status as one of the best safeties in the league.
A. College Career and Alabama Impact
At Alabama, Fitzpatrick was a versatile and dynamic player, known for his ability to make plays all over the field. Under the guidance of Saban, who is renowned for developing top-tier defensive backs, Fitzpatrick excelled in a variety of roles, from cornerback to safety. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Fitzpatrick helped lead Alabama’s defense to a national championship in 2017, and he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. His ability to cover wide receivers, create turnovers, and play against the run made him one of the most complete defenders in college football.
B. Transition to the NFL
After declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior year, Fitzpatrick was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 11th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His rookie season was impressive, showcasing his ability to read quarterbacks, cover a wide range of offensive plays, and make timely interceptions. Fitzpatrick’s ability to impact games immediately made him one of the top young safeties in the league, and it didn’t take long for him to be recognized as a rising star.
In 2019, Fitzpatrick’s career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would go on to reach new heights. With the Steelers, Fitzpatrick blossomed into one of the league’s top defensive playmakers. His ability to read offenses, make critical interceptions, and contribute to Pittsburgh’s strong defense made him an instant fan favorite. Fitzpatrick was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2020 and continued to receive All-Pro honors in subsequent seasons.
In the 2024 season, Fitzpatrick’s exceptional performances were on full display. He finished the season with numerous interceptions, pass deflections, and forced fumbles, while also continuing to provide leadership in the secondary. His range, football IQ, and knack for being in the right place at the right time were key to the Steelers’ defensive success, earning him his spot on the AP All-Pro First Team.
C. The Fitzpatrick Legacy
Fitzpatrick’s success in the NFL is a reflection of the player he was at Alabama: versatile, intelligent, and fearless. His All-Pro selection underscores the impact that Alabama’s defensive culture has on its players, as Fitzpatrick’s experience under Nick Saban played a significant role in his development into an NFL star. The ability to excel in multiple roles in the secondary, combined with his leadership qualities, has made Fitzpatrick one of the most respected players in the NFL, and his continued dominance at the professional level is a testament to his work ethic and the foundation he built at Alabama.
2. Quinnen Williams: The Defensive Line Force
Quinnen Williams, a dominant defensive tackle who played for Alabama from 2016 to 2018, is another former Crimson Tide player who earned a spot on the AP NFL All-Pro First Team. Known for his explosive first step, power, and ability to disrupt both the passing and running games, Williams has quickly become one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL.
A. College Career and Alabama Impact
During his time at Alabama, Williams was an absolute force in the middle of the defensive line. In his final season at Alabama in 2018, Williams was a unanimous All-American and won the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best interior lineman. His ability to penetrate opposing offensive lines, disrupt plays in the backfield, and cause chaos at the line of scrimmage was a key component of Alabama’s dominant defense under Saban.
Williams was a key part of Alabama’s defense during their national championship run in 2017 and was one of the most feared defensive tackles in college football. His combination of size, strength, and speed made him nearly impossible to block, and he regularly drew double teams from opposing offensive lines. His time at Alabama set the stage for a successful transition to the NFL, where he would continue to refine his craft.
B. Transition to the NFL
Williams was selected by the New York Jets with the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Williams showed flashes of the dominant player he would become, finishing with 2.5 sacks and an impressive 28 tackles. But it was in his second season that Williams truly broke out. In 2020, Williams earned a Pro Bowl selection, finishing the season with 7.5 sacks and 55 tackles. His ability to rush the passer and disrupt plays in the backfield made him one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the league.
Williams’ 2024 season was even more impressive, as he continued to assert his dominance in the trenches. With a career-high 10 sacks and 65 tackles, Williams helped anchor the Jets’ defensive front, earning him his first All-Pro First Team selection. His ability to disrupt the pocket, defend the run, and create havoc for opposing offenses has made him a centerpiece of the Jets’ defense, and his performance in the 2024 season further solidified his status as one of the league’s premier defensive linemen.
C. The Williams Legacy
Quinnen Williams’ success in the NFL is a reflection of the legacy of Alabama football’s defensive line dominance. Under Nick Saban’s tutelage, Williams was able to develop into one of the most feared interior pass rushers in the game, with a relentless motor and exceptional technique. His ability to control the line of scrimmage and make plays behind the line of scrimmage has been integral to the success of the Jets’ defense.
Williams’ induction into the AP NFL All-Pro First Team is a recognition of the hard work and effort that began during his time at Alabama. His development as a player is a prime example of how the Alabama program continues to produce top-tier NFL talent, and his continued success in the NFL speaks to the foundation he built in Tuscaloosa.
3. DeMeco Ryans: The Defensive Leader
DeMeco Ryans, who played for Alabama from 2002 to 2005, is the final member of the trio of former Alabama defenders named to the AP NFL All-Pro First Team. Though Ryans made his mark as a linebacker in the NFL and was known for his leadership and football IQ, it is his coaching success that has brought him to the forefront in recent years.
A. College Career and Alabama Impact
At Alabama, Ryans was a standout linebacker who helped lead the Crimson Tide defense with his ability to read offenses and make key tackles. Ryans was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2005, and he was a consensus All-American. His leadership on the field was a key element of Alabama’s success during his time in Tuscaloosa, and it was clear even then that Ryans had the skills to excel at the next level.
B. Transition to the NFL
Ryans was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s top linebackers. Over his 10-year career in the NFL, Ryans earned two Pro Bowl selections and was known for his ability to read offenses, make tackles in key situations, and be a leader on the field. He was a key part of the Texans’ defense during his tenure with the team and was respected across the league for his football intelligence and work ethic.
Though Ryans’ playing career came to an end in 2015, his impact on the NFL didn’t stop. Ryans transitioned into coaching, and in 2024, he became the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Under his leadership, the 49ers’ defense became one of the best in the NFL, and Ryans’ ability to develop and lead players has solidified his place as one of the most promising young coaches in the league. His coaching success is a testament to his deep understanding of the game, which was honed during his playing days at Alabama.
C. The Ryans Legacy
Ryans’ journey from Alabama to the NFL and now to the coaching ranks highlights the long-lasting impact that Alabama’s defensive culture has on its players. His leadership and football IQ continue to influence the next generation of players and coaches, and his success both on the field and on the sidelines further cements his legacy as one of the program’s greatest products.
