Legends of the Alabama Crimson Tide: 25 Players Who Influenced Football History
The Alabama Crimson Tide football program is a beacon of excellence, known for its long-standing tradition of dominance in college football. Over the years, Alabama has produced some of the most influential, talented, and iconic players to ever step onto the gridiron. These players have shaped the history of the program and, in many cases, the history of college football itself. From towering legends like Joe Namath to modern-day stars like Derrick Henry, Alabama’s roster of greats reads like a who’s who of football. Here, we take a look at 25 players who have profoundly influenced football history—on and off the field.
1. Bear Bryant (Head Coach, 1958-1982)
While Bear Bryant was never a player at Alabama, his influence on the program is immeasurable. Over his 25 years as head coach, Bryant won six national championships, shaped countless All-Americans, and transformed Alabama into a football powerhouse. His impact on college football cannot be overstated—his legacy is embedded in the identity of the Crimson Tide.
2. Joe Namath (Quarterback, 1961-1964)
Joe Namath, known as “Broadway Joe,” is one of the most charismatic and iconic figures in football history. Namath led Alabama to a national championship in 1964 and was a trailblazer in the NFL as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the New York Jets. His confident, brash persona helped popularize the NFL and brought unprecedented attention to Alabama football.
3. Derrick Henry (Running Back, 2013-2015)
Derrick Henry’s 2015 season was nothing short of legendary. He won the Heisman Trophy after rushing for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, including a 200-yard performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Henry’s blend of size, power, and speed redefined the “workhorse” running back role and made him one of the most feared ball carriers in college football history.
4. Ken Stabler (Quarterback, 1965-1968)
Ken “The Snake” Stabler helped lead Alabama to a national championship in 1965, and his legendary career in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders is the stuff of legend. Known for his ability to perform in clutch situations, Stabler was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and remains one of the most beloved figures in Alabama football history.
5. Derrick Thomas (Linebacker, 1985-1988)
A game-changer and one of the most dominant defensive players in college football history, Derrick Thomas’ speed and explosiveness off the edge set him apart. He recorded an NCAA record 27 sacks in a single season and was the No. 4 overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. Thomas went on to become a Hall of Famer, and his legacy as one of the best linebackers in football history continues to resonate.
6. Ozzie Newsome (Tight End, 1974-1977)
Ozzie Newsome was one of the most skilled tight ends in college football, and he would go on to have a successful NFL career with the Cleveland Browns. Newsome’s ability to stretch the field as both a receiver and blocker helped transform the tight end position, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
7. Alabama’s “Million Dollar Band” Offensive Line (1960s)
This group of offensive linemen, which included players like Fred Sington, Lee Roy Jordan, and Terry Jones, became a symbol of strength and dominance. They were integral in Alabama’s national championships during the 1960s and paved the way for one of the most potent offenses in the country at the time.
8. Amari Cooper (Wide Receiver, 2012-2014)
Amari Cooper was a standout wide receiver and one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football. His route running, speed, and ability to make spectacular catches helped elevate Alabama’s passing attack to new heights. Cooper was a consensus All-American and won the 2014 Biletnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in college football.
9. Johnny Musso (Running Back, 1967-1970)
Johnny Musso, known as the “Italian Stallion,” was one of the first true stars of Alabama football, especially during the early years of Bear Bryant’s tenure. He helped lead Alabama to a national championship in 1968 and became one of the most beloved players in school history.
10. Mark Ingram (Running Back, 2008-2009)
Mark Ingram made history as Alabama’s first Heisman Trophy winner in 2009. His ability to run with power, vision, and patience helped restore Alabama’s dominance in the run game, leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship that year. Ingram’s legacy as a physical, reliable back has left a lasting imprint on the program.
11. Terry Grant (Running Back, 2005-2009)
Terry Grant’s electrifying style and incredible ability to break tackles made him one of the first players under Nick Saban to set the foundation for Alabama’s resurgence as a powerhouse. His impressive runs during Saban’s early years became an inspiration to many future stars at Alabama.
12. Pat Sullivan (Quarterback, 1968-1971)
Pat Sullivan was a quarterback for Alabama in the early 1970s, but he rose to national prominence when he was the starting quarterback for Auburn in the 1971 Iron Bowl, where he guided the Tigers to a victory that helped cement their place in history. Though not directly a part of Alabama, the rivalry with Auburn plays a big role in Alabama football lore.
13. Marlon Humphrey (Cornerback, 2014-2016)
Marlon Humphrey’s stellar play in Alabama’s secondary helped to define a new era of elite defensive backs at Alabama. With his speed and instincts, Humphrey was a lockdown cornerback and key piece of Alabama’s defense during its 2015 national championship campaign.
14. Reuben Foster (Linebacker, 2013-2016)
Reuben Foster was a physical specimen at linebacker, known for his ferocity and leadership on Alabama’s defense. He was a vital part of the Tide’s 2015 national championship team and earned consensus All-American honors in 2016, as well as the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker.
15. Jesse Williams (Defensive Tackle, 2008-2012)
Jesse Williams’ massive presence on the defensive line helped anchor Alabama’s dominant defenses, particularly during its 2011 national championship season. Williams was known for his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and clog up running lanes, making him an essential cog in the Crimson Tide’s defense.
16. Julio Jones (Wide Receiver, 2008-2010)
Julio Jones is arguably one of the most physically gifted wide receivers to ever play at Alabama. Known for his combination of size, speed, and catch radius, Jones helped revolutionize Alabama’s passing attack under Nick Saban. His playmaking ability contributed to Alabama’s national title run in 2009 and set the stage for the program’s later success.
17. Lee Roy Jordan (Linebacker, 1960-1962)
Lee Roy Jordan was a dominant linebacker in the early 1960s who was instrumental in Alabama’s national championships in 1962. His leadership on the defensive side of the ball helped set the tone for what would become a legacy of strong Alabama defenses.
18. Harry Gilmer (Quarterback, 1944-1947)
Harry Gilmer led Alabama to two national championships and helped establish Alabama as a dominant force in college football in the 1940s. As one of the first dual-threat quarterbacks, Gilmer’s ability to both run and pass the ball was revolutionary for his time.
19. Cecil Collins (Running Back, 1998-1999)
Though his time at Alabama was brief, Cecil Collins’ athleticism and natural talent left a lasting mark. His ability to evade defenders and generate big plays earned him a reputation as one of the most talented backs Alabama has ever had.
20. Lester Hayes (Cornerback, 1974-1976)
Lester Hayes is a standout defensive back from the mid-1970s. Known for his aggressive play and ability to shut down opposing wide receivers, Hayes played a major role in Alabama’s defensive success during the 1970s.
21. Courtney Upshaw (Linebacker, 2008-2011)
Courtney Upshaw was a key member of Alabama’s national championship teams in 2009 and 2011. His versatility as an edge rusher and linebacker helped the Crimson Tide dominate on defense, making him a key piece of one of the most feared defenses in college football history.
22. T.J. Yeldon (Running Back, 2012-2014)
T.J. Yeldon was known for his ability to run with power and break tackles while also being a reliable option in the passing game. Yeldon was instrumental in leading Alabama’s offense during some of their most successful seasons under Nick Saban.
23. Trent Richardson (Running Back, 2009-2011)
Trent Richardson was a powerful, bruising running back who was the backbone of Alabama’s offense during their 2011 national championship season.
His ability to break tackles and run through defenders made him one of the most feared ball carriers in the country.
24. Will Anderson Jr. (Linebacker, 2020-2022)
As one of the best pass rushers in college football, Will Anderson Jr. became a household name for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. His dominance on defense helped Alabama maintain its position as a national contender, and Anderson is expected to make a huge impact in the NFL.
25. Nolan Cromwell (Quarterback, 1974-1977)
While Nolan Cromwell’s time at Alabama came just before the program’s rise to national prominence, his leadership and skill set as a dual-threat quarterback helped set the stage for future success. Known for his ability to both pass and run effectively, Cromwell’s influence was foundational for Alabama football’s evolution.
