Reviewed by: Sarah Gronberg
1/3 of all NFL teams have former Alabama players as captains—see the list
Reading time: 2 minutes
The NFL season kicks off tonight, September 7 with the Detroit Lions taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. As kickoff approaches, franchises announced their season-long captain selections, 12 of which played at The University of Alabama. Keep reading to learn which former Tide players are leading their teams this year.
Bryce Young among former Alabama players on the list
It looks like 2023 number-one draft pick Bryce Young is already making moves for the Carolina Panthers.
The 2021 Heisman trophy winner, the first Tide player to be picked first overall in the NFL draft in 75 years, was chosen as one of six captains to lead the Panthers this season.
12 former Bama football players are captains
Beyond the Panthers, former Alabama players have a huge presence throughout the NFL, with 12 total being chosen as captains:
- Xavier McKinney, NYG
- CJ Mosley, NYJ
- Ryan Kelly, IND
- Derrick Henry, TEN
- Jonathan Allen, WAS
- Bryce Young, CAR
- Eddie Jackson, CHI
- Josh Jacobs, LV
- Tua Tagovailoa, MIA
- Mac Jones, NE
- Jalen Hurts, PHI
- Devonta Smith, PHI
Fun facts:
- This will be Jonathan Allen’s fifth run as a captain.
- CJ Mosley and Derrick Henry are now four-time captains.
- All four active former Alabama quarterbacks were named captain this year.
- 77 former Crimson Tide players are in the NFL as of the 2023 draft.
We know Coach Nick Saban must be proud of the Alabama football legacy.
MORE: Former Auburn Tigers are making their mark in the NFL, too. Josh Harris was chosen as one of eight captains for the Los Angeles Chargers. Daniel Carlson will be a first-time captain for the Las Vegas Raiders.
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