TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Beyond the national championships, one of the most remarkable aspects of Nick Saban’s tenure at Alabama (2007-2023) was his ability to develop players who not only succeeded in the NFL but thrived at the highest level.
Year after year, Alabama players were selected in the NFL Draft, often in the first round. While some draft decisions—like Derrick Henry slipping to the second round in 2016—remain questionable in hindsight, the sheer number of elite players Alabama produced under Saban is unmatched. Nearly every position saw an All-American during his tenure, with many going on to become impact players in the league.
The All-Pro Distinction: A Cut Above the Rest
The ultimate measure of NFL success is being named First-Team All-Pro, a title given to only one player per position each season. Unlike the Pro Bowl, which includes reserves and alternates, All-Pro status is permanent recognition of a player’s dominance. For instance, Jalen Hurts—despite finishing as the runner-up for league MVP in 2023 and winning Super Bowl MVP—was not named All-Pro, with the honor going to Patrick Mahomes.
Some of Alabama’s greatest players, including linebacker C.J. Mosley, have never been named First-Team All-Pro, despite multiple Pro Bowl appearances. However, several Crimson Tide legends have earned this prestigious honor, with the all-time leader being two-time league MVP Don Hutson.
Alabama’s All-Time All-Pro Leaders
- Don Hutson (8 selections) – Green Bay Packers, WR (1938-1945)
- John Hannah (7 selections) – New England Patriots, OG (1976-1985)
- Dwight Stephenson (4 selections) – Miami Dolphins, C (1984-1987)
- Minkah Fitzpatrick (3 selections) – Pittsburgh Steelers, S (2019, 2020, 2022)
- Tied (2 selections) – Marlon Humphrey, Julio Jones, Patrick Surtain II, Derrick Thomas
All-Pro Selections by Position
Quarterbacks
- Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers (1966)
- Kenny Stabler, Oakland Raiders (1974)
- Joe Namath, New York Jets (1968, All-AFL)
Running Backs
- Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans (2020)
- Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders (2022)
- Shaun Alexander, Seattle Seahawks (2005)
Wide Receivers
- Don Hutson, Green Bay Packers (8 selections)
- Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons (2015, 2016)
Tight Ends
- Ozzie Newsome, Cleveland Browns (1984)
Offensive Linemen
- John Hannah, New England Patriots (7 selections)
- Dwight Stephenson, Miami Dolphins (4 selections)
- Evan Mathis, Philadelphia Eagles (2013)
- Billy Neighbors, Boston Patriots (1964, All-AFL)
Defensive Linemen
- Bob Baumhower, Miami Dolphins (1983)
- Marcell Dareus, Buffalo Bills (2014)
- Quinnen Williams, New York Jets (2022)
Linebackers
- Derrick Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs (1990, 1991)
- Cornelius Bennett, Buffalo Bills (1988)
- E.J. Junior, St. Louis Cardinals (1984)
Defensive Backs
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers (3 selections)
- Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos (2 selections)
- Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens (2 selections)
- Landon Collins, New York Giants (2016)
- Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys (2021)
- Eddie Jackson, Chicago Bears (2018)
- Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers (2024)
Kick Returner
- Tony Nathan, Miami Dolphins (1979)
Saban’s Defensive Backs: A Lasting Impact
A particularly striking trend is the dominance of Saban-coached defensive backs. Seven of the All-Pro selections in the secondary—Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Surtain II, Marlon Humphrey, Landon Collins, Trevon Diggs, Eddie Jackson, and Xavier McKinney—were all developed under Saban. Brian Branch nearly joined that list last season.
During Saban’s early years at Alabama, the team was known for producing elite running backs and linebackers. However, as the game evolved and Alabama embraced a faster-paced offense and nickel-heavy defense, the program became a powerhouse for defensive backs.
Patrick Surtain II was recently named Defensive Player of the Year, while Humphrey and McKinney earned All-Pro nods. Even after Saban’s retirement, his influence on the NFL remains strong, particularly in the secondary—a position group he personally coached in practice.
As Alabama’s legacy in the NFL continues to grow, Saban’s fingerprints remain all over the league.
Leave a Reply