Legends of the Alabama Crimson Tide: 25 Players Who Influenced Football History
The University of Alabama Crimson Tide is one of the most storied programs in college football history, and its legacy is defined not just by championships, but by the iconic players who helped shape the game. From dominating the college football landscape in the mid-20th century to consistently competing for national titles in the modern era, Alabama’s success has been powered by some of the greatest athletes to ever step onto the gridiron.
This list of 25 players represents a cross-section of the finest to ever don the crimson and white, each leaving an indelible mark on Alabama football and, often, the sport itself. Whether through dominance on the field, contributions to the team’s championships, or their roles in redefining positions, these players helped build a dynasty that remains unmatched in college football.
1. Bear Bryant (1958-1982)
While not a player in the traditional sense, Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant was a player in his own right during his college days at the University of Alabama. As the head coach, Bryant’s influence on Alabama football is immeasurable. Winning six national championships, he became the face of the program and a symbol of consistency and excellence. His leadership helped mold legendary players and cemented Alabama as a dynasty, transforming college football into what it is today.
2. Joe Namath (1961-1964)
Joe Namath, also known as “Broadway Joe,” is one of the most recognizable figures in American football history. Although his NFL career with the New York Jets is legendary, his college career at Alabama under Bear Bryant set the stage for his pro success. Namath’s arm strength, poise, and leadership helped Alabama win the 1964 National Championship. He was a two-time All-American and a major force in shaping the future of the quarterback position.
3. Johnny Musso (1967-1970)
Johnny Musso is one of the most dynamic running backs in Alabama history. Known as the “Italian Stallion,” Musso’s combination of speed, vision, and strength helped Alabama win the 1970 SEC Championship. He was a two-time All-American and finished second in the Heisman Trophy race in 1971. His 3,324 career rushing yards were a record at the time and made him one of the most electrifying players of his era.
4. Derrick Thomas (1985-1988)
A transformative figure at linebacker, Derrick Thomas is one of the most dominant defensive players to ever play college football. Thomas set a then-record with 27 sacks in a single season and was a two-time All-American. His performance helped elevate Alabama’s defense to elite status, and he was a key factor in their 1988 SEC Championship. Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
5. Ken Stabler (1965-1967)
“Ken the Snake” Stabler was a smooth and efficient quarterback who helped lead Alabama to the 1967 Southeastern Conference Championship. Known for his ability to make clutch plays, Stabler was a steady presence under center for the Tide. He finished his college career with an SEC title and went on to achieve even greater success in the NFL, earning a Super Bowl ring with the Oakland Raiders and an induction into the Hall of Fame.
6. Ozzie Newsome (1974-1977)
A pioneer in the tight end position, Ozzie Newsome’s versatility and skills helped redefine what the position could do on the football field. As a player for the Crimson Tide, Newsome was a reliable receiver and a vital piece of Alabama’s offensive attack. He went on to a successful NFL career with the Cleveland Browns and later became one of the NFL’s most respected executives, but his impact at Alabama was profound.
7. George Teague (1990-1992)
George Teague is best known for one of the most iconic moments in Alabama football history: his interception and 100-yard return in the 1993 Sugar Bowl against Miami, a play that helped define his legacy. A two-time All-American and standout defensive back, Teague was a key figure in the Tide’s 1992 National Championship, earning recognition as one of the greatest defenders in school history.
8. Reuben Foster (2013-2016)
Reuben Foster was a powerful linebacker who embodied the physicality and toughness of Alabama football. A two-time All-American and the Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker, Foster played a pivotal role in Alabama’s 2015 and 2016 National Championship runs. His leadership and playmaking ability in the middle of the defense helped solidify the Tide’s dominance during his time.
9. Mark Ingram Jr. (2008-2010)
Mark Ingram’s career was marked by incredible toughness and vision. Ingram was the first Alabama player to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy, and he helped lead the team to the 2009 National Championship. With over 3,000 career rushing yards, Ingram became the face of Alabama’s offense during its return to dominance under Nick Saban.
10. Terry Davis (1984-1987)
A standout on the defensive line, Terry Davis was a force to be reckoned with. His relentless pass-rush ability and play against the run were key to Alabama’s defensive dominance throughout his career. Davis earned All-American honors in 1987 and was instrumental in helping Alabama remain one of the most feared defensive units in college football.
11. DeVonta Smith (2017-2020)
One of the most electrifying wide receivers in Alabama history, DeVonta Smith won the 2020 Heisman Trophy as the nation’s top player, becoming the first wide receiver to win the award in over two decades. Smith’s incredible route-running, hands, and ability to make game-changing plays helped lead Alabama to a national title in 2020, capping a legendary career.
12. Clyde “Tight” Turner (1927-1929)
Turner is one of the earliest Alabama legends, playing a pivotal role in helping Alabama win three national championships in the late 1920s. Known for his tough, physical play, Turner was a dominant force in the backfield. His leadership during the Crimson Tide’s early dynasty laid the foundation for future success.
13. Lee Roy Jordan (1960-1962)
A linebacker who embodied the toughness of Alabama football, Lee Roy Jordan was an All-American and a key part of Alabama’s 1962 National Championship team. His leadership and playmaking ability were critical to the team’s success, and he was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
14. Landon Collins (2012-2014)
Landon Collins was a do-it-all safety who helped anchor Alabama’s defense during one of the program’s most successful stretches. Known for his physicality and football IQ, Collins was a two-time All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. His leadership and playmaking helped propel Alabama to several national championships during his tenure.
15. Minka Fitzpatrick (2015-2017)
Minka Fitzpatrick was a versatile safety who could play multiple positions in the secondary, excelling at cornerback, nickelback, and safety. His football IQ, range, and ball-hawking ability helped make him a two-time All-American and a key figure in Alabama’s 2017 National Championship run. Fitzpatrick’s impact on the field was immediate and lasting.
16. Derrick Henry (2013-2015)
Derrick Henry’s 2015 season was one for the ages, as he won the Heisman Trophy and helped lead Alabama to the 2015 SEC Championship and the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship. Henry’s 2,219 rushing yards in 2015 are a school record, and his ability to run over and around defenders made him one of the most unstoppable forces in college football history.
17. Jerry Jeudy (2017-2019)
Jerry Jeudy was one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football during his time at Alabama. His exceptional route-running, speed, and ability to make spectacular catches made him a consensus All-American in 2018. Jeudy helped lead Alabama to numerous victories, including a 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.
18. Chris Samuels (1996-1999)
One of the top offensive linemen in Alabama history, Chris Samuels was a dominant force on the Crimson Tide’s offensive line during his time in Tuscaloosa. A first-team All-American and a top NFL draft pick, Samuels helped establish the Alabama offensive line as one of the best in college football.
19. Sylvester Croom (1972-1974)
Sylvester Croom was one of the most effective running backs in Alabama history, and he played a key role in the team’s offensive success during the early 1970s. After his playing career, Croom went on to become the first African American head coach in the SEC, further cementing his legacy within the Alabama football program.
20. Willye Jackson (1980-1983)
Known as one of the most dominant defensive players of the 1980s, Willye Jackson’s ability to stop the run and disrupt opposing offenses was instrumental in Alabama’s success during his tenure. Jackson was a key contributor to the Crimson Tide’s defensive line during his career, helping to set the standard for future Alabama defenses.
21. Quinnen Williams (2016-2018)
Quinnen Williams
became one of the most dominant defensive players in the nation during his time at Alabama, winning the Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior lineman in 2018. Williams was a key force on the defensive line during the Tide’s 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship run.
22. Tua Tagovailoa (2017-2019)
Tua Tagovailoa rewrote the record books during his time at Alabama, culminating in an incredible 2018 season that included a national championship appearance and a Heisman Trophy finalist bid. Tagovailoa’s ability to make accurate throws under pressure and his leadership helped take Alabama’s offense to new heights.
23. Richard Todd (1973-1975)
Richard Todd played quarterback for Alabama during the 1970s and was instrumental in setting the stage for Alabama’s later success under Bear Bryant. His steady leadership helped guide Alabama to several key victories, and Todd would go on to have a successful career in the NFL with the New York Jets.
24. Hugh Culverhouse (1956-1958)
A strong, tough linebacker, Hugh Culverhouse was an essential player in Alabama’s defense during the late 1950s. His contributions helped the Crimson Tide win several significant games and laid the foundation for the program’s future dominance.
25. Derrick Lassic (1989-1992)
Derrick Lassic was one of the most versatile and explosive running backs for Alabama during his career. His ability to break tackles and his quickness on the field helped him become a key player for the Crimson Tide in the early ’90s.
