50 Facts About Alabama Football

The Origins of Alabama Football

Alabama football, known as the Crimson Tide, boasts a rich history that spans over a century. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this storied program.

1. The Alabama Crimson Tide football program began in 1892, making it one of the oldest programs in the NCAA.
2. The first football game played by the Alabama Crimson Tide took place in 1892 against a team of students selected from local high schools. The college team routed the high school team 56-0.

Leadership and Coaching Legends

Alabama's success is deeply rooted in its exceptional leadership and legendary coaches.

3. The current athletic director of the University of Alabama is Greg Byrne, who oversees the entire athletic department, including football.
4. As of the 2023 season, the head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide is Kalen DeBoer, who has led the team to a 2-0 start.
5. Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant led the Crimson Tide from 1958 to 1982 and won six national championships during his tenure. He got his nickname after accepting a challenge to wrestle a bear at a carnival sideshow when he was 13.
6. Coach Nick Saban took over the program in 2007 and led the team to six national championships. He is known for his disciplined approach to the game and his ability to develop top talent.

Home Turf and Traditions

Bryant–Denny Stadium is more than just a field; it's a fortress of tradition and pride.

7. The team plays its home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium, which has a capacity of 100,077 and is the 10th largest non-racing stadium in the world.
8. Bryant–Denny Stadium features a natural grass field, providing a traditional playing surface for the team.
9. The stadium is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on the campus of the University of Alabama.
10. Before each home game, coach Nick Saban and his players are dropped off at the “Walk of Champions,” a pathway lined by cheering fans who offer high fives as the team makes its way to the locker room.

Conference and Division Dominance

Alabama's dominance in college football is reflected in its impressive conference and division records.

11. The Alabama Crimson Tide competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the NCAA.
12. The team is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and competes in the Western Division.
13. Before joining the SEC, Alabama was a member of the Southern Conference from 1921 to 1932.
14. Alabama has won 34 conference championships, with 30 of those coming from the SEC and four from the Southern Conference.
15. In the SEC West Division, the Crimson Tide has won 18 division titles, showcasing their dominance within the conference.

National Championships and Playoff Success

The Crimson Tide's national success is unparalleled, with numerous championships and playoff appearances.

16. The Crimson Tide claims 18 national championships, including 13 wire-service (AP or Coaches') national titles in the poll-era and five other titles before the poll-era.
17. Alabama also has five unclaimed national titles, which were not recognized by major selectors at the time.
18. The team has made an NCAA-record 77 postseason bowl appearances and has appeared in the College Football Playoff (CFP) eight times since its inception in 2014.
19. In the CFP, Alabama has a record of 9-5, showcasing their consistent performance in the playoffs.
20. The new national championship trophy measures 26-1/2 inches tall (three feet when resting in its base), weighs 23 pounds, and is handcrafted from 24K gold, stainless steel, and bronze.

Individual Achievements and Honors

Alabama has produced numerous standout players who have earned individual accolades and honors.

21. The team has produced four Heisman Trophy winners: Mark Ingram (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), DeVonta Smith (2020), and Bryce Young (2021).
22. Alabama has produced 84 consensus All-Americans, highlighting the team's consistent production of top talent.
23. The roster for the championship semifinals featured 29 graduates, including three players who have earned their master’s degree—a national and school record.

Mascots, Marching Bands, and Traditions

Alabama's rich traditions extend beyond the field, encompassing mascots, bands, and unique customs.

24. The team's mascot is Big Al, an elephant that symbolizes strength and resilience.
25. The team mascot, Big Al, was named after a news article from 1930. A journalist covering a game against Ole Miss reported on the rumbling sound of the Alabama players stamping onto the field, writing that a fan in the stands called out, “…the elephants are coming.” This led to the nickname "Big Al".
26. The marching band of the University of Alabama is known as the Million Dollar Band, which is one of the most famous in the country and has appeared on television more than any other college band.
27. The Million Dollar Band got its nickname in 1922 after a 33-7 loss. A reporter asked Alabama alumnus W.C. “Champs” Pickens, “You don’t have much of a team, what do you have at Alabama?” Pickens replied, “A Million Dollar Band.”
28. Alabama fans often wear houndstooth-patterned clothing to games. This tradition is a tribute to Coach “Bear” Bryant’s trademark houndstooth hat, given to him in 1965 by New York Jets owner Sonny Werblin.
29. Alabama fans have a tradition of singing “Rammer Jammer” to celebrate a victory. As soon as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter, the entire stadium bursts into song.

Records and Rivalries

Alabama's impressive records and fierce rivalries contribute to its storied legacy.

30. The Crimson Tide has an all-time record of 967-337-43 (.734), making it one of the most successful programs in NCAA history.
31. In postseason bowl games, Alabama has a record of 46-28-3 (.617), which is also one of the best in the NCAA.
32. The Crimson Tide has had 11 undefeated seasons, with nine of those being perfect (tieless) seasons. This showcases the team's ability to dominate their opponents over the course of a season.
33. Alabama has several notable rivalries, including Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Penn State, and Tennessee.

Uniforms, Fight Songs, and Outfitting

The Crimson Tide's identity is also defined by its iconic uniforms, fight songs, and outfitting partnerships.

34. The current uniform of the Crimson Tide features the school colors of crimson and white, with a distinctive design that reflects the team's rich history.
35. The fight song of the Alabama Crimson Tide is "Yea Alabama," which is sung by fans during games and other events.
36. The official outfitter of the Alabama Crimson Tide is Nike, which provides the team's uniforms and other apparel.
37. The official website of the Alabama Crimson Tide is Rolltide.com, where fans can find news, scores, and other information about the team.

Memorable Moments and Fun Facts

Alabama football is filled with memorable moments and fun facts that add to its rich history.

38. The first football game played by the Alabama Crimson Tide took place in 1892 against a team of students selected from local high schools. The college team routed the high school team 56-0.
39. Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant got his nickname after accepting a challenge to wrestle a bear—at a carnival sideshow when he was 13. He was never paid; the circus promoter fled before paying him.
40. Despite their storied history, Alabama has only two Heisman Trophy winners: Mark Ingram (2009) and Derrick Henry (2015).
41. Alabama has had 11 undefeated seasons, nine of which were perfect (tieless) seasons. This showcases the team’s ability to dominate their opponents over the course of a season.
42. The first football game played by the Alabama Crimson Tide took place in 1892 against a team of students selected from local high schools. The college team routed the high school team 56-0.
43. The team mascot, Big Al, was named after a news article from 1930. A journalist covering a game against Ole Miss reported on the rumbling sound of the Alabama players stamping onto the field, writing that a fan in the stands called out, “…the elephants are coming.” This led to the nickname "Big Al".
44. The Million Dollar Band got its nickname in 1922 after a 33-7 loss. A reporter asked Alabama alumnus W.C. “Champs” Pickens, “You don’t have much of a team, what do you have at Alabama?” Pickens replied, “A Million Dollar Band.” Today, the marching band is one of the most famous in the country and has appeared on television more than any other college band.
45. Alabama fans often wear houndstooth-patterned clothing to games. This tradition is a tribute to Coach “Bear” Bryant’s trademark houndstooth hat, given to him in 1965 by New York Jets owner Sonny Werblin.
46. Before each home game, coach Nick Saban and his players are dropped off at the “Walk of Champions,” a pathway lined by cheering fans who offer high fives as the team makes its way to the locker room.
47. Alabama fans have a tradition of singing “Rammer Jammer” to celebrate a victory. As soon as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter, the entire stadium bursts into song.
48. The new national championship trophy measures 26-1/2 inches tall (three feet when resting in its base), weighs 23 pounds, and is handcrafted from 24K gold, stainless steel, and bronze.
49. The roster for the championship semifinals featured 29 graduates, including three players who have earned their master’s degree—a national and school record.
50. This was the fourth championship under head coach Nick Saban. The only other head coach with more championships was the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant, who led the Tide to six national championships from 1958-1982.

Alabama Football's Legacy

Alabama football's legacy is nothing short of legendary. With 18 national championships, 34 conference titles, and 84 consensus All-Americans, the Crimson Tide has set a high bar in college football. From the early days in 1892 to the modern era under coaches like Paul "Bear" Bryant and Nick Saban, Alabama has consistently produced top talent and thrilling moments. The traditions, like the Walk of Champions and the Million Dollar Band, add to the rich culture surrounding the team. Fans proudly wear houndstooth in honor of Bryant and sing "Rammer Jammer" after victories. Whether it's the iconic Bryant–Denny Stadium or the beloved mascot Big Al, every aspect of Alabama football contributes to its storied history. This program's commitment to excellence makes it one of the most respected and celebrated in college football history. Roll Tide!