Alabama Football: Crimson Tide's All-Time NFL Offensive Unit

Alabama is, without a doubt, one of the most storied programs in college football history.

Don't sleep on its impact in the NFL, though. 

Alabama's seven Hall of Famers ranks among the highest representation in the NFL. Add to that the first three Super Bowl MVPs, and you have a school that's had a profound impact on the history of the NFL. 

Let's take a look at the Alabama Crimson Tide's all-time NFL offensive unit.

Quarterback: Bart Starr

Bart Starr was the gold standard of NFL quarterbacks in the '50s and '60s.

After his career at Alabama, Starr went on to play for the Green Bay Packers, where he won five championships. Among those were the first two Super Bowls—Starr was named MVP of both.

Starr was selected to four Pro Bowls during his Hall of Fame career and was named NFL MVP in 1966.

His number, 15, is retired by the Packers. 

Runner Up: Joe Namath

I won’t give you stats on Joe Namath, because the fact is, they aren’t very impressive.

It isn’t about stats with Namath, though. Few players made a larger impact on the game.

His victory in Super Bowl III completely changed the perception of the AFL and the direction of the NFL.

Namath was and still is to many a cultural icon.  

Honorable Mention: Kenny Stabler

This is a lot of attention for quarterbacks, but when a school boasts three Super Bowl winners from the position, it’s necessary.

Kenny Stabler is considered one of the greatest players to not be in the NFL Hall of Fame. “The Snake” made four Pro Bowls in his career and was known for his last-minute, game-winning drives.

The highlight of his career came in 1977, when he led the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl XI victory over the Minnesota Vikings. 

Running Back: Shaun Alexander

After setting most of Alabama’s career rushing records, Alexander went on to a very productive NFL career.

His career wasn’t as long lasting as other running backs, but for a five-year span, Alexander was arguably the best running back in the NFL.

His 2005 season, in which he rushed for 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns, was one of the most productive for a running back in NFL history.

Alexander ranks seventh on the career rushing touchdowns list. 

Wide Receiver: Don Hutson

Don Hutson isn’t just considered one of the greatest receivers in NFL history. He’s regarded as one of the best players in NFL history.

Hutson was undoubtedly the best receiver of his time and is credited with creating many of the routes used today.

At the time of his retirement, he owned most of the career receiving records and still ranks in the Top 10 in receiving touchdowns. 

Tight End: Ozzie Newsome

Ozzie Newsome has generally been considered the greatest tight end in NFL history.

Tony Gonzalez may finally take that title when his career is done, but nothing will diminish the impact Newsome had and still has in the league.

The Hall of Famer had over 650 receptions and just shy of 8,000 yards in his career.

Newsome was named the first African American general manager in the NFL in 2002. He still holds the position for the Ravens and is considered one of the best and most respected general managers in the league. 

Offensive Tackle: Chris Samuels

Samuels' career may have been cut short, but for the time he was in the league, he was one of the elite left tackles.

After being selected third in the 2000 NFL Draft, Samuels lived up to his billing.

During his 10-year career, Samuels was named to the Pro Bowl six times. 

Offensive Guard: John Hannah

As a guard for the New England Patriots, Hannah achieved great success. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection on his way to a Hall of Fame career.

In 1981, Sports Illustrated named Hannah the best offensive lineman of all time. That can be debated, and there have been some great linemen since then.

There is no arguing, though, Hannah’s name deserves a place among the greatest in history. 

Center: Dwight Stephenson

John Hannah may be considered the greatest offensive lineman of all time, but many view Dwight Stephenson as the greatest center of all time.

Bear Bryant once called the former Dolphins star the best player he ever coached. Stephenson lived up to that high praise in the NFL.

Stephenson went to five straight Pro Bowls from 1983 to 1987 and anchored the best offensive line in the NFL during that time.

Stephenson’s career was cut short due to a knee injury, but his impact during his time is unquestioned.