The 2024 NFL seasons that were the best for former Alabama players

The University of Alabama has long been a breeding ground for NFL talent. Year after year, the Crimson Tide produces top-tier athletes who go on to dominate in the professional league, and the 2024 NFL season has been no exception. A remarkable number of former Alabama players have shined this year, each making significant contributions to their respective teams in various ways. From MVP-caliber seasons to defensive juggernauts, the 2024 NFL season has seen former Alabama stars continue to prove that the Crimson Tide’s dominance transcends college football into the professional ranks.

In this article, we will examine some of the most outstanding former Alabama players in the NFL during the 2024 season. We will look at their performances, how they have impacted their teams, and why this season has been one of the best for Alabama alumni in recent memory.

1. Derrick Henry – Running Back, Tennessee Titans

There’s no surprise that Derrick Henry, the Alabama standout, continues to thrive in the NFL, but the 2024 season has been one of his best. After a few seasons of being the focal point of the Tennessee Titans’ offense, Henry has entered the 2024 campaign looking rejuvenated. At 30 years old, a position where running backs typically begin to slow down, Henry is defying the odds with an incredible level of performance.

Through the first half of the 2024 season, Henry has maintained a 5.1-yard average per carry, totaling over 1,000 rushing yards in the first nine games. What makes this even more remarkable is his ability to continue producing despite a lack of consistent offensive line play. Henry’s combination of size, speed, and agility remains one of the most formidable in the NFL, allowing him to break through defenses and push past tacklers for long gains. His 2024 season showcases not only his physical gifts but also his mental toughness and relentless drive.

Henry’s leadership has also been invaluable to the Titans, especially as the team has navigated its way through the first half of the season. Even when the Titans struggled with injuries to key players, Henry remained a consistent force in the running game, providing the offense with balance and helping open up the passing game for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. His continued dominance on the ground places him firmly in the conversation for All-Pro honors, and as the Titans push for the playoffs, Henry will be a central figure in their success.

2. Tua Tagovailoa – Quarterback, Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa, a former Alabama star, has emerged as one of the league’s top quarterbacks in 2024. Coming off a breakout season in 2023, Tagovailoa has further solidified his status as one of the NFL’s elite signal-callers this year. Through the first half of the season, Tua has been posting impressive numbers — over 3,200 passing yards and 28 touchdowns with a passer rating hovering near 115.

The transformation of Tagovailoa from a quarterback with question marks about his durability to a legitimate MVP candidate has been remarkable. A large part of his success can be attributed to his chemistry with dynamic wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, as well as the offensive ingenuity of head coach Mike McDaniel. Tagovailoa has shown an ability to read defenses more effectively than in previous years, making quick decisions, and getting the ball out in rhythm. His deep ball accuracy has become a lethal weapon, and his growth in the pocket as a passer has been striking.

Moreover, Tua’s improved ability to avoid pressure and deliver accurate passes under duress has added to his value. With the Dolphins at the top of the AFC East standings, Tua’s leadership has been critical in keeping the offense clicking. Tagovailoa’s continued success, paired with the Dolphins’ potent offensive scheme, means he could be looking at a career-defining season in 2024.

3. Minkah Fitzpatrick – Safety, Pittsburgh Steelers

Minkah Fitzpatrick has long been one of the best safeties in the NFL, and the 2024 season has provided further validation of his status as a premier player in the league. As the anchor of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, Fitzpatrick has been a critical component in the team’s success this season. His ability to read the game and make key plays at pivotal moments has been invaluable to Pittsburgh.

Through the first part of the 2024 season, Fitzpatrick has tallied four interceptions and 10 pass deflections, earning him a spot on the All-Pro radar. His ability to cover ground quickly, diagnose plays, and make plays on the ball has been crucial for the Steelers, who have relied on their defense to stay in playoff contention. Fitzpatrick’s versatility allows him to be a game-changer in both pass coverage and run support, and his leadership in the secondary has helped Pittsburgh remain one of the NFL’s toughest defensive teams.

Moreover, Fitzpatrick’s leadership extends beyond his on-field play. His presence and ability to communicate effectively with his teammates have allowed the Steelers’ defense to adapt to various challenges this season, including injuries and matchups with high-powered offenses. With the Steelers firmly in the playoff hunt, Fitzpatrick’s performance could be a key factor in determining how far the team can go.

4. Jerry Jeudy – Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos

The 2024 season has been a breakthrough year for former Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. After a few seasons of being solid but inconsistent in Denver, Jeudy has taken a massive leap forward in 2024, emerging as one of the league’s top wideouts. Through the first half of the season, Jeudy has caught 75 passes for over 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns, quickly becoming the favorite target of quarterback Russell Wilson.

Jeudy’s route-running has been spectacular, as he’s routinely creating separation from defenders with his crisp, sharp cuts and exceptional speed. He’s also displayed a great ability to go up and make contested catches, a part of his game that was once considered a weakness. Jeudy’s ability to perform at a high level has been crucial to the Broncos’ offense, providing Wilson with a consistent weapon in the passing game.

One of the more exciting aspects of Jeudy’s 2024 season has been his chemistry with Wilson. As the season has progressed, their rapport has improved dramatically, allowing Jeudy to become a focal point of Denver’s offense. With Jeudy’s emergence as one of the NFL’s best wide receivers, the Broncos have an exciting future, and Jeudy is now positioned as one of the league’s elite playmakers.

5. Quinnen Williams – Defensive Tackle, New York Jets

Quinnen Williams has continued to assert himself as one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the NFL. The former Alabama standout has been a force for the New York Jets in 2024, with his ability to disrupt opposing offenses both in the run game and as a pass rusher. Williams has racked up 8 sacks through the first half of the season, adding 15 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback hits. His combination of power and quickness has made him nearly impossible to block one-on-one.

Williams has been a key component of the Jets’ defense, helping the team remain competitive in a tough AFC East division. His ability to collapse the pocket, disrupt timing, and change the flow of a game has made him one of the premier defensive tackles in the league. The Jets’ defense has been the team’s identity, and Williams is at the heart of it.

In addition to his on-field dominance, Williams has also shown a high level of football intelligence, often diagnosing plays before they even develop. His leadership in the trenches has set the tone for the entire defensive unit, making him not only a top performer but also a locker room leader. If Williams can maintain his level of play, he could be in line for his first All-Pro selection and help the Jets make a deep playoff push.

6. DeVonta Smith – Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles

DeVonta Smith, the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, has continued to prove himself as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL during the 2024 season. Playing alongside A.J. Brown in Philadelphia’s high-powered offense, Smith has flourished as one of the league’s premier route runners. Through the first half of the season, Smith has accumulated over 1,100 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, with multiple game-winning catches.

Smith’s ability to separate from defenders with his exceptional quickness and agility has made him an invaluable weapon for quarterback Jalen Hurts. His skill set complements Brown’s physicality, allowing the Eagles to use a balanced approach in the passing game. Moreover, Smith’s sharp route running and ability to make contested catches have made him a reliable target in clutch situations.

As the Eagles remain one of the top teams in the NFC, Smith’s contributions have been crucial to their success. His continued development, coupled with Hurts’ growth as a quarterback, makes the Eagles’ offense one of the most potent in the NFL. If Smith continues to build on his strong 2024 campaign, he could cement his status as one of the league’s elite wide receivers.

7. The Legacy of Alabama in the NFL

The 2024 season has highlighted the enduring impact of Alabama’s football program on the NFL. Players like Henry, Tagovailoa, Fitzpatrick, Jeudy, Williams, and Smith have all proven that the Crimson Tide continues to produce top-tier talent that thrives at the highest level of football. Alabama’s focus on developing both physical and mental aspects of the game has ensured that its alumni are not just successful in college, but capable of dominating in the NFL as well.

Looking forward, the pipeline of Alabama talent to the NFL shows no signs of slowing down. With more

players entering the league each year and continuing to make their mark, the Crimson Tide will remain one of the most influential programs in the NFL for years to come. The 2024 season has only further solidified Alabama’s reputation as a premier football powerhouse that breeds future stars of the NFL.