Seven former Alabama Crimson Tide players, including QB Jalen Hurts, are chasing Super Bowl rings as the Eagles face the Chiefs for the Super Bowl.
The road from Tuscaloosa to the NFL is well-trodden, paved with All-Americans, national titles, and a legacy of dominance built under the relentless eye of Nick Saban. But for seven former Alabama Crimson Tide players, the journey has now led them to the grandest stage in professional football: the Super Bowl. As members of the Philadelphia Eagles, these athletes—led by quarterback Jalen Hurts—are not just chasing victory. They’re hunting for rings, rewriting narratives, and carrying the Crimson legacy into football’s ultimate spotlight.
Jalen Hurts: Redemption, Leadership, Legacy
No name looms larger in this story than Jalen Hurts. The former Alabama quarterback, known for his poise, grit, and leadership, has blossomed into the face of the Philadelphia Eagles. Though his collegiate path included a high-profile transfer to Oklahoma, Hurts’ foundation was laid in crimson and white. From his freshman heroics to the heartbreak of being benched in the national championship game, Hurts endured adversity with class—an early lesson in resilience that now defines his NFL career.
This season, Hurts has been nothing short of brilliant. His dual-threat capabilities have kept defenses guessing, while his leadership has united a locker room full of talent and personality. For Hurts, the Super Bowl isn’t just a shot at a title—it’s the culmination of years of discipline, growth, and the quiet belief that he belongs at the very top.
DeVonta Smith: The Slim Reaper Strikes Again
Lining up at wide receiver is another Bama legend: DeVonta Smith. The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, affectionately nicknamed “The Slim Reaper,” has seamlessly transitioned to the NFL, bringing his surgical route-running and velvety hands with him. On a team loaded with offensive firepower, Smith is a crucial weapon in the Eagles’ aerial attack.
This season, Smith has piled up yardage and clutch catches, especially in high-pressure situations. His chemistry with Hurts, built on trust and timing, has given Philadelphia an explosive edge. Smith may not be the loudest guy on the field, but his game speaks volumes. With a ring on the line, expect him to rise to the moment—as he has so many times before.
Landon Dickerson & Tyler Steen: Trench Warriors
Every great offense starts up front, and the Eagles boast one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive lines. Anchoring part of that line are two Alabama alums: Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen.
Dickerson, a charismatic and bruising presence at guard, brings leadership, physicality, and unrelenting toughness. His career at Alabama was cut short by injury, but not before he became a fan favorite for his tenacity and team-first attitude. Now, fully healthy, he’s protecting Hurts and paving holes for the Eagles’ backfield.
Tyler Steen, a more recent addition to the team, has contributed valuable depth and versatility. Though he’s still early in his NFL journey, his presence on the roster speaks to Alabama’s ability to produce technically sound, physically dominant linemen. The trenches are where games are won, and with Dickerson and Steen on board, the Eagles are well-equipped for battle.
Eli Ricks: The Next Great Alabama Corner
On the defensive side, cornerback Eli Ricks is continuing Alabama’s tradition of elite secondary play. Ricks, a transfer from LSU who finished his college career under Nick Saban, arrived in Philadelphia with something to prove. Though still early in his professional development, he’s shown flashes of the potential that made him a five-star recruit.
Ricks has seen playing time in nickel and dime packages and has excelled on special teams. His instincts, ball skills, and willingness to tackle make him a promising piece of the Eagles’ defense. More importantly, his composure in big moments mirrors the Alabama standard he was molded under.
Byron Young & Cameron Latu: Depth and Potential
Rounding out the group are two rookies: defensive tackle Byron Young and tight end Cameron Latu. While not yet starters, both have shown the kind of upside that gets coaches excited.
Young, a gap-clogging run stopper with surprising quickness, has been part of the defensive rotation, giving valuable snaps in short-yardage and red-zone situations. His strength and motor are classic Bama traits, and his future in Philadelphia looks promising.
Latu, a former linebacker turned tight end, was a key target in Alabama’s offense before entering the draft. Though injuries limited his early progress, he’s been developing behind veteran tight ends and is expected to compete for a larger role moving forward. With great size, soft hands, and a physical edge in blocking, Latu has the potential to become a key contributor.
Alabama’s Impact on the NFL: A Living Pipeline
What makes this Eagles squad particularly fascinating is how much of its Super Bowl aspirations are rooted in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide program has long been a proving ground, a factory that churns out NFL-ready talent. These seven Eagles are not just former teammates or conference rivals—they’re part of a dynasty that transcends college football.
Nick Saban’s philosophy is simple: prepare players for the next level, both physically and mentally. It’s no surprise that the Eagles, a franchise known for its strategic roster building, have embraced so many former Tide stars. In doing so, they’ve built a core of athletes who understand what it takes to win and are hungry to do it again—this time on football’s biggest stage.
Brotherhood, Bonds, and Bama Grit
One of the overlooked aspects of this narrative is the bond shared by these players. Though they may have overlapped in different years or played on different sides of the ball, they share a unique brotherhood forged in the crucible of Alabama football. That familiarity breeds trust—and trust wins games.
Jalen Hurts often talks about his “process”—a direct nod to Saban’s legendary mantra. DeVonta Smith still carries himself with the quiet humility that defined his time in Tuscaloosa. Landon Dickerson’s locker room antics are still backed by fierce competitiveness. These players don’t just wear green and white—they carry crimson in their blood.
The Stakes
Winning a Super Bowl is a dream shared by every NFL player. But for these seven Alabama alumni, the moment carries added weight. It’s a chance to validate the journey, to prove that their development under Saban wasn’t just hype, but preparation for the highest level. It’s an opportunity to bring home a different kind of championship and cement their legacies.
For Hurts, it’s a chance to silence doubters who once questioned his passing ability. For Smith, it’s proof that size is no barrier to greatness. For Dickerson, Steen, Ricks, Young, and Latu, it’s about rising to the moment and showing that Alabama produces more than stars—it builds champions.Crimson Tide Rolls to the Super Bowl
As the Eagles prepare for battle against the Kansas City Chiefs, seven former Alabama players stand on the doorstep of football immortality. From the quarterback leading the huddle to the rookies learning from the sidelines, they each bring a piece of Alabama’s legacy with them.
Win or lose, their presence in the Super Bowl is a powerful testament to the program that shaped them. And should they come away victorious, it’ll be more than a team win—it’ll be another shining chapter in the story of Alabama’s enduring influence on the game of football.
Roll Tide, and Fly Eagles Fly.
