Legendary Crimson Tide Icons: 25 Alabama Players Who Shaped Football History

The Alabama Crimson Tide is one of the most storied programs in college football history. With a legacy of dominance, championships, and legendary players, Alabama has consistently been at the forefront of the sport. This article highlights 25 Crimson Tide icons who have left an indelible mark on the game.

1. Joe Namath (QB, 1962-1964)

A legendary figure in both college and professional football, Namath led Alabama to a national championship in 1964 and later became an NFL Hall of Famer, remembered for his iconic Super Bowl III guarantee.

2. Derrick Thomas (LB, 1985-1988)

One of the most feared linebackers in college football history, Thomas set an NCAA record with 27 sacks in a single season and later became an NFL Hall of Famer.

3. Bart Starr (QB, 1952-1955)

Before leading the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships, Starr was a standout at Alabama, setting the foundation for a Hall of Fame career.

4. Mark Ingram Jr. (RB, 2008-2010)

Ingram became Alabama’s first Heisman Trophy winner in 2009, helping the team secure its first national title under Nick Saban.

5. Ozzie Newsome (TE, 1974-1977)

One of the greatest tight ends in football history, Newsome set multiple school records before becoming a Hall of Fame player and a successful NFL executive.

6. John Hannah (OL, 1970-1972)

Regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen ever, Hannah dominated in college before enjoying a Hall of Fame career with the New England Patriots.

7. Shaun Alexander (RB, 1996-1999)

A dominant rusher for Alabama, Alexander set multiple records before earning an NFL MVP award with the Seattle Seahawks.

8. Amari Cooper (WR, 2012-2014)

One of the best wide receivers in Alabama history, Cooper won the Biletnikoff Award and helped the Tide secure a national championship.

9. Julio Jones (WR, 2008-2010)

A game-changing wide receiver, Jones helped Alabama return to national prominence before becoming an elite NFL star.

10. Ken Stabler (QB, 1965-1967)

The “Snake” was a dynamic quarterback who led Alabama to an undefeated season in 1966 and later won a Super Bowl with the Raiders.

11. Derrick Henry (RB, 2013-2015)

The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner, Henry rushed for over 2,200 yards in his final college season and has become one of the best running backs in the NFL.

12. Cornelius Bennett (LB, 1983-1986)

A dominant linebacker, Bennett was a three-time All-American and a key figure in Alabama’s defensive legacy.

13. Lee Roy Jordan (LB, 1960-1962)

A stalwart on defense, Jordan helped Alabama win a national title in 1961 before a stellar NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys.

14. Dont’a Hightower (LB, 2008-2011)

A crucial leader on Nick Saban’s early championship teams, Hightower played a major role in multiple national titles before thriving in the NFL.

15. AJ McCarron (QB, 2009-2013)

McCarron led Alabama to two national championships and remains one of the most successful quarterbacks in school history.

16. Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB, 2015-2017)

A two-time All-American, Fitzpatrick was a defensive leader who helped Alabama win multiple national titles before excelling in the NFL.

17. Derrick Lassic (RB, 1989-1992)

A key part of Alabama’s 1992 national championship, Lassic dominated in the backfield for the Crimson Tide.

18. Jay Barker (QB, 1991-1994)

The quarterback of the 1992 national championship team, Barker played a crucial role in Alabama’s success.

19. Trent Richardson (RB, 2009-2011)

A powerful running back, Richardson was instrumental in Alabama’s 2011 national championship run.

20. Calvin Ridley (WR, 2015-2017)

One of Alabama’s best receivers, Ridley made an immediate impact, helping Alabama secure a national title in 2017.

21. Eddie Lacy (RB, 2010-2012)

A dominant force in the backfield, Lacy played a key role in multiple national championships.

22. Johnny Musso (RB, 1969-1971)

Nicknamed the “Italian Stallion,” Musso was an All-American running back known for his toughness and skill.

23. Landon Collins (DB, 2012-2014)

A hard-hitting safety, Collins was a defensive leader for Alabama before becoming an NFL star.

24. Tua Tagovailoa (QB, 2017-2019)

Tagovailoa’s iconic performance in the 2018 national championship game cemented his place in Alabama history.

25. DeVonta Smith (WR, 2017-2020)

Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2020, becoming the first wide receiver to win the award in nearly 30 years while leading Alabama to another championship.

Alabama’s football legacy is built on the greatness of these players, each of whom left a lasting impact on the program and the sport. Their influence continues to inspire future generations of Crimson Tide athletes.