Alabama’s NFL connections rack up some amazing stats this season

It’s no secret that Alabama as a state has produced some incredible talent in the National Football League. But the state’s NFL connections this season in particular have been spectacular. The list of NFL players with Alabama connections on the league’s leader boards is hard to ignore.

Between the University of Alabama, Auburn, the Birmingham Stallions and other Alabama-based teams, the NFL can thank the Yellowhammer State for a significant source of its talent.

Week 18 for Alabama’s NFL connections

Week 18 of the NFL season saw some huge performances by Alabama’s NFL connection, closing out the regular season that saw multiple former Auburn Tigers, Crimson Tiders and even a Birmingham Stallion cap off stellar seasons.

This past weekend saw the following Alabama-connected players have amazing performances:

• Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans (U of Alabama): Rushed for 153 yards and a TD.
• Calvin Ridley, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (U of Alabama): 106 yards, 1 TD
• Jared Stidham, QB, Denver Broncos (Auburn): 272 passing yards, 1 TD
• Daniel Carlson, K, Las Vegas Raiders (Auburn): 2-2 FGs, 3-3 XP, 9 total points
• Brandon Aubrey, K, Dallas Cowboys (Birmingham Stallions): Made a 50-yard FG (led the NFL in scoring)

A fantastic season for Alabama’s NFL players

Some members of the Alabama NFL connection were named to the Pro Bowl rosters for this season, including:

• Brandon Aubrey, K, Dallas Cowboys (Birmingham Stallions)
• Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland Browns (U of Alabama)
• Landon Dickerson, OL, Philadelphia Eagles (U of Alabama)
• Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Pittsburgh Steelers (U of Alabama)
• Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans (U of Alabama)
• Pat Surtain II, DB, Denver Broncos (U of Alabama)
• Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins (U of Alabama)
• Quinnen Williams, DL, New York Jets (U of Alabama)

More players with Alabama ties hit some impressive season milestones, despite not making a Pro Bowl roster, such as:

• Anders Carlson, K, Green Bay Packers (Auburn): 27 FG
• Daniel Carlson, K, Las Vegas Raiders (Auburn): 26 FG
• Jahmyr Gibbs, RD, Detroit Lions (U of Alabama): 1,261 total yards, 2nd among rookie RBs
• Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (U of Alabama): 1,035 yards rushing
• Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (U of Alabama): 3,858 passing yards, 23 TD
• Calvin Ridley, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (U of Alabama): 1,016 yards, 8 TD
• DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (U of Alabama): 1,066 yards, 7 TD
• Jalen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins (U of Alabama): 1, 014 yards

Also of note, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans — a former Crimson Tide standout — led Houston to a division title just one season after having one of the worst records in the NFL.

Most of these Alabama-based players will play in the NFL postseason, so keep watch on these guys as they continue to show why Alabama is one of the premier football states in the country.

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