TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 30: Malachi Moore #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates with teammates Chase Davis #46 and Kameron Howard #6 during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)
The performance of former Alabama football players in Super Bowl LIX.
Jalen Hurts – Quarterback and MVP
Jalen Hurts, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, had an incredible performance in Super Bowl LIX, which not only secured the victory for his team but also solidified his place in football history. As a former standout quarterback at Alabama before transferring to Oklahoma, Hurts’ journey to the Super Bowl was one of perseverance and growth.
In Super Bowl LIX, Hurts threw for 221 yards, completing 17 of 22 passes with two touchdowns. His ability to execute in critical moments was pivotal, but it was his dual-threat capability—his rushing ability—that truly set him apart. He rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, showcasing his agility and strength. Hurts’ leadership and poise under pressure led to his being named Super Bowl MVP, making him the first Alabama player to win this prestigious award in over five decades. His performances in both the passing and running game made him a vital component of the Eagles’ offense, and he proved to be an elite quarterback on the biggest stage.
DeVonta Smith – Wide Receiver
DeVonta Smith, also known as “The Slim Reaper,” has continued to make waves in the NFL after his stellar career at Alabama. In Super Bowl LIX, Smith added another accomplishment to his growing list by becoming the first Alabama player to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl.
Late in the third quarter, with the Eagles comfortably leading, Hurts threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Smith, who showcased his excellent route running and precise hands. Smith’s ability to create separation from defenders and his reliable catching made him an invaluable asset to the Eagles’ offense. His touchdown was one of the key moments in the game that helped solidify the Eagles’ dominance over the Chiefs.
Smith’s performance not only demonstrated his talent but also further elevated Alabama’s reputation for producing top-tier NFL talent. Since being drafted in the first round, Smith has shown that his time at Alabama prepared him for success at the highest levels of football.
Landon Dickerson – Offensive Line
Landon Dickerson, another former Alabama player, played an important role in Super Bowl LIX by contributing to the Eagles’ offensive line. As one of the key blockers for Jalen Hurts, Dickerson’s ability to protect his quarterback and open running lanes for the ground game was critical to the team’s success. The Eagles’ offensive line, which was often regarded as one of the best in the league, proved its mettle in Super Bowl LIX.
Dickerson, who earned recognition for his skills during his college career at Alabama, proved that his development continued to progress at the professional level. His physicality and leadership on the offensive line were instrumental in allowing Hurts to operate effectively and helped neutralize the Chiefs’ pass rush. In a game where controlling the line of scrimmage was vital, Dickerson’s contribution was significant in securing the Eagles’ offensive success.
Tyler Steen – Offensive Lineman
Tyler Steen, another Alabama product, was an integral part of the Eagles’ offensive line rotation. While not as high-profile as some of his teammates, Steen’s performance in Super Bowl LIX cannot be understated. His versatility and depth added to the Eagles’ already impressive offensive line, and his presence provided much-needed support against a tough Kansas City defense. Offensive linemen often do not receive the recognition they deserve, but Steen’s contributions in maintaining offensive stability were crucial to the Eagles’ overall victory.
Eli Ricks – Defensive Back
Eli Ricks, known for his time at Alabama before transferring to LSU, had an impactful performance in the defensive backfield during the Super Bowl. Ricks’ role in the Eagles’ defensive scheme was primarily in coverage, where he worked to limit the explosive Kansas City passing attack, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
While Ricks was not heavily involved in flashy plays, his solid coverage and tackling abilities played a role in preventing big gains and keeping the Chiefs from finding their rhythm. His performance demonstrated that Alabama continues to produce talented defensive backs who can step up in critical situations.
Byron Young – Defensive Lineman
Byron Young, another defensive player for the Eagles, contributed to the team’s overall pressure on Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense. Young’s role on the defensive line was to disrupt Mahomes’ timing and create chaos in the pocket, a task he did effectively. While Mahomes is known for his mobility and ability to escape pressure, Young’s relentless effort helped in forcing Mahomes to make hurried throws and limited his ability to fully execute the Chiefs’ game plan.
Young’s performance in Super Bowl LIX highlighted Alabama’s reputation for producing dominant defensive players who can succeed at the highest level of competition. His contributions were a testament to his development under the guidance of Alabama’s coaching staff.
Cameron Latu – Tight End
Cameron Latu, though not a primary feature in the offense or defense during Super Bowl LIX, contributed to the Eagles’ success with his blocking and special teams play. Latu’s ability to perform various roles showed the versatility instilled in Alabama players during their time in college. Tight ends like Latu are often tasked with multiple responsibilities, from blocking to providing depth in the passing game, and he fulfilled those duties effectively.
While Latu’s impact was not as statistically significant as some of his teammates, his contributions on special teams and in blocking assignments helped the Eagles control the game and maintain their advantage over the Chiefs.
Alabama’s Influence on Super Bowl LIX
The performance of former Alabama football players in Super Bowl LIX underscored the continuous excellence of Alabama’s football program in developing top-tier talent for the NFL. From Jalen Hurts’ MVP-worthy performance to DeVonta Smith’s touchdown, Alabama alumni were integral to the Eagles’ dominant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The presence of players like Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, Eli Ricks, Byron Young, and Cameron Latu further highlighted the strength of Alabama’s pipeline to the professional ranks.
For Alabama football, Super Bowl LIX served as a reminder that the Crimson Tide’s success is not limited to college football but extends to the highest levels of the sport. The legacy of Alabama football continues to thrive as its alumni make a significant impact on the NFL stage.
Super Bowl LIX not only marked another milestone for former Alabama players but also reinforced the program’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite football talent. With players like Jalen Hurts leading the way, Alabama’s presence in the NFL will only continue to grow, further cementing the program’s place among the best in football history.
