Alabama Crimson Tide has a Strong History of Players in the Super Bowl

Following Super Bowl LVI between the Bengals and Rams, 49 former Crimson Tide players had participated in 39 Super Bowls.

Considering that Alabama had at least one player on every team during the 2021-22 NFL season, the odds are extremely favorable for the Crimson Tide to have its 50th former player play in a Super Bowl next year. 

It came just shy at Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. 

Alabama ended up with five former players on the rosters of the teams playing for the Lombardi Trophy, but only two got into the game. 

Defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson started and had a sack for the Rams. Linebacker Terrell Lewis was inactive and long-snapper Carson Tinker was on the practice squad after being added back again the day before. 

It was the seventh time Tinker was signed by the Rams since Dec. 18, a precautionary move during the coronavirus pandemic as teams were allowed to replace active-roster players who tested positive with practice-squad members.

For the Bengals, Jonah Williams started at left tackle. Damion Square remained on the practice squad and was not one of two players elevated for the game, which would have made him eligible to play. 

Square spent the season with the Raiders, and had three tackles (one for a loss) in their Wild Card Playoff matchup against the Bengals on Jan. 15. When the Raiders lost, his practice squad contract expired, making him a free agent. 

Ten days later, he was signed to the Bengals practice squad, and on January 30 promoted to the regular roster. 

That's how Square became the first player in NFL history to play for two teams in one postseason.

Alabama's history with the Super Bowl has had a profound impact on the game, including the MVP of Super Bowls I, II and III having all played for the Crimson Tide. 

Bart Starr, who lettered from 1952-55, played in the league’s first two championship games, quarterbacked the Green Bay Packers. Joe Namath, who lettered at Alabama from 1962-64, was the MVP of Super Bowl III, leading the New York Jets to victory. 

Cornelius Bennett (1983-86) has played in the most Super Bowls, having appeared in five, four times with the Buffalo Bills and once with the Atlanta Falcons. 

Dont’a Hightower (2008-11), Larry Roberts (1982-85), Jeff Rutledge (1975-78) and Bart Starr (1952-55) have each won two Super Bowl rings, tying for the most by a former Alabama player. 

But not everyone who has a ring played in the game. 

For example, Tampa Bay tight end O.J. Howard and Kansas City wide receiver Gehrig Dieter helped their teams reach Super Bowl LV, won by the Buccaneers, but did not play in the game. Howard was on the injured list with a season-ending Achilles injury, and Dieter was on the Chiefs' practice squad. 

Overall, 49 former Crimson Tide players have participated in 39 Super Bowls heading into the 2022 season. 

Here's the breakdown of everyone who was on his teams' active roster for the Super Bowl:

Crimson Tide Players in the Super Bowl

Super Bowl I: Packers 35, Chiefs 10

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• Bart Starr (1952-55), Green Bay Packers * 
• Steve Wright (1962-64), Green Bay Packers

In what was originally called the “AFL-NFL World Championship,” Starr propelled the Packers to a 35-10 victory over the Chiefs. Completing 16 of 23 attempts, Starr amassed 250 yards through the air to go along with three passing touchdowns. Starr connected with reserve wide receiver Max McGee, whose one-armed first-quarter touchdown reception is one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history, seven times for 138 yards.     

Super Bowl II: Packers 33, Raiders 14

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• Bart Starr (1952-55), Green Bay Packers *

Guiding Green Bay to its second Super Bowl win in a row (and third consecutive NFL championship), Starr's star shone the brightest in the second half. The high-powered Green Bay offense rattled off 17 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarters to pull away from the Raiders for a 33-14 victory. Starr completed 13 of his 24 passes, including a 62-yard scoring strike to Boyd Dowler.     

Super Bowl III: Jets 16, Colts 7

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• Paul Crane (1963-65), New York Jets
• Joe Namath (1962-64), New York Jets *
• Ray Perkins (1964-66), Baltimore Colts

In a game that will be forever remembered because of Namath's “guarantee” of victory, the Jets toppled the seemingly unbeatable Baltimore Colts by a score of 16-7. Even future Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas could not spark a second half comeback by Baltimore. Because of Namath's leadership (and five Baltimore turnovers), the Jets se- cured the first victory for the AFL in the young history of the Super Bowl. “Broadway Joe” completed 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards. 

Super Bowl V: Colts 16, Cowboys 13

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• Dennis Homan (1965-67), Dallas Cowboys
• Lee Roy Jordan (1960-62), Dallas Cowboys 
• Ray Perkins (1964-66), Baltimore Colts

Jordan had a forced fumble that led to a Cowboys touchdown.

Super Bowl VI: Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3

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• Lee Roy Jordan (1960-62), Dallas Cowboys

 

Super Bowl X: Steelers 21, Cowboys 17

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• Lee Roy Jordan (1960-62), Dallas Cowboys

 

Super Bowl XI: Raiders 32, Vikings 14

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• Kenny Stabler (1965-67), Oakland Raiders

Stabler was 12-for-19 for 180 yards and one touchdown. His top target, Fred Biletnikoff, was named game MVP. Biletnikoff's numbers weren't overwhelming (four catches, 79 yards), but three of those receptions set up short touchdowns.

Super Bowl XIV: Steelers 31, Rams 19

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• Jeff Rutledge (1975-78), Los Angeles Rams

Super Bowl VI: 49ers 26, Bengals 21

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• Johnny Davis (1975-77), San Francisco 49ers

Super Bowl XVII

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• Bob Baumhower (1974-76), Miami Dolphins
• Wilbur Jackson (1971-73), Washington Redskins
• Don McNeal (1977-79), Miami Dolphins 
• Tony Nathan (1975-78), Miami Dolphins
• Dwight Stephenson (1977-79), Miami Dolphins

Super Bowl XVII was dedicated to University of Alabama coach Paul W. "Bear" Bryant, who had died four days earlier. A moment of silence was held in his memory during the pregame ceremonies. 

Dolphins Tony Nathan, Dwight Stephenson, Bob Baumhower and Don McNeal were All-Americans for Bryant at Alabama, and Redskins reserve running back Wilbur Jackson was the first African-American to earn a football scholarship to Alabama. 

Nathan had seven carries for 26 yards in the game. 

Super Bowl XVIII: Raiders 38, Redskins 9

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• Charley Hannah (1974-76), Los Angeles Raiders

Hannah was a starting guard on the offense that totaled 385 offensive yards in the blowout win. Raiders running back Marcus Allen carried the ball 20 times for a then-record total of 191 yards and two touchdowns, including a then-record 74-yard run in the third quarter.

Super Bowl XIX: 49ers 38, Dolphins 16

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• Bob Baumhower (1974-76), Miami Dolphins
• Joe Carter (1980-83), Miami Dolphins
• Don McNeal (1977-79), Miami Dolphins
• Tony Nathan (1975-78), Miami Dolphins
• Dwight Stephenson (1977-79), Miami Dolphins 

Nathan had 10 receptions for 83 yards, but was also the Dolphins leading rusher with 18 yards. 

Super Bowl XX: Patriots 46, Bears 10

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• John Hannah (1970-72), New England Patriots

 

Super Bowl XXI: Giants 39, Broncos 20

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• Robbie Jones (1979-82), New York Giants
• Jeff Rutledge (1975-78), New York Giants 

The Giants were trailing 10-9 in the third quarter, when backup quarterback Jeff Rutledge entered the game to be the third blacking back on a punt along with Maurice Carthon and Lee Rouson. When the Broncos all but ignored him, Rutledge moved under center while punter Sean Landeta lined up wide, and Carthon and Rouson moved to be a split back set behind him. Rutledge then took the snap from center and ran a quarterback sneak to the New York 48-yard line for a first down. 

New York went on to cap the drive with a touchdown, and scored on its next four possessions as well while outscoring the Broncos 30-10 during the second half. 

Super Bowl XXII: Redskins 42, Broncos 10

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• Jeremiah Castille (1979-82), Denver Broncos

Castille's interception was one of the few bright spots for the Broncos, who jumped out to a 10-0 lead only to give up 42 unanswered points including 25 in the second quarter.

Super Bowl XXIII: 49ers 20, Bengals 16

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• Emmanuel King (1982-84), Cincinnati Bengals 
• Larry Roberts (1982-85), San Francisco 49ers

Roberts started at left defensive end and was credited with three tackles. 

Super Bowl XXIV: 49ers 55, Broncis 10

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• Bobby Humphrey (1985-88), Denver Broncos
• Larry Roberts (1982-85), San Francisco 49ers

Humphrey was Denver's leading rusher and receiver, with 61 rushing yards and three receptions for 38 yards.

 Roberts was credited with a sack. 

Super Bowl XXV: Giants 20, Bills 19

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• Cornelius Bennett (1983-86), Buffalo Bills 
• Howard Cross (1985-88), New York Giants

Cross finished with four catches for 39 yards. Bennett did tackle him at the end of a 7-yard gain. 

Super Bowl XXVI: Redskins 37, Bills 24

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• Cornelius Bennett (1983-86), Buffalo Bills 
• Chris Mohr (1985-88), Buffalo Bills 
• Jeff Rutledge (1975-78), Washington Redskins 

Buffalo played Bennett close to the line of scrimmage on nearly every play, primarily to stop the run. He and Darryl Talley combined for 13 tackles, while the Bills' defense held Kansas City to 77 yards on the ground. Bennett was also in on a sack and had three tackles for a loss. 

Super Bowl XXVII: Cowboys 52, Bills 17

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• Cornelius Bennett (1983-86), Buffalo Bills
• Chris Mohr (1985-88), Buffalo Bills

The Cowboys scored 35 points off of a Super Bowl-record nine Buffalo turnovers, including three first half touchdowns.

Super Bowl: Cowboys 30, Bills 13

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• Cornelius Bennett (1983-86), Buffalo Bills 
• Derrick Lassic (1989-92), Dallas Cowboys
• Chris Mohr (1985-88), Buffalo Bills 

Super Bowl XXX: Cowboys 27, Steelers 17

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• Sherman Williams (1991-94), Dallas Cowboys 

Super Bowl XXXIII: Broncos 34, Falcons 19

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• Cornelius Bennett (1983-86), Atlanta Falcons 

Bennett played in his fifth Super Bowl and took his fifth loss.

Super Bowl XXXV: Ravens 34, Giants 7

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• Howard Cross (1985-88), New York Giants
• Cornelius Griffin (1998-99), New York Giants 

Super Bowl XXXIX: Patriots 24, Eagles 21

• Alonzo Ephraim (2000-02), Philadelphia Eagles

Super Bowl XL: Steelers 21, Seahawks 10

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• Shaun Alexander (1996-99), Seattle Seahawks
• Deshea Townsend (1994-97), Pittsburgh Steelers
• Cornelius Wortham (2000-04), Seattle Seahawks

Alexander, the league MVP after tallying 1,880 rushing yards and scoring an NFL-record 28 touchdowns, finished with 95 rushing yards on 20 carries. ... Townsend had key sack to help close out the victory, 

Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers 27, Cardinals 23

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• Anthony Madison (2002-05), Pittsburgh Steelers
• Deshea Townsend (1994-97), Pittsburgh Steelers

Super Bowl XLIV: Saints 31, Colts 17

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• Roman Harper (2002-05), New Orleans Saints

Harper was credited with seven tackles and a forced fumble. 

Super Bowl XLV: Packers 31, Steelers 25

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• Anthony Madison (2002-05), Pittsburgh Steelers
• Charlie Peprah (2002-05), Green Bay Packers 

Peprah, a safety, led the Packers defense with 10 tackles. ... Madison had two tackles for the Steelers. 

Super Bowl XLVI: Giants 21, Patriots 17

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• Mark Anderson (2002-05), New England Patriots
• Brandon Deaderick (2006-09), New England Patriots

Anderson was credited with 1.5 sacks and five tackles overall. ... Deaderick also had a sack. 

Super Bowl XLVII: Ravens 34, 49ers 31

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• Terrence Cody (2008-09), Baltimore Ravens
• Courtney Upshaw (2008-11), Baltimore Ravens

Upshaw forced a fumble from running back LaMichael James, with teammate Arthur Jones recovering at the Ravens' 25-yard line. Baltimore subsequently drove 75 yards for a second-quarter touchdown. Upshaw finished with five tackles including one for a loss. ... Cody was in on one tackle. 

Play was interrupted for 34 minutes because of a 22-minute partial power outage at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.  

Super Bowl XLVIII: Seahawks 43, Broncos 8

• James Carpenter (2009-10), Seattle Seahawks

Carpenter started at left guard. The Seahawks had a 135-27 edge on the ground, and 341-306 in total yards.

Super Bowl XLIX: Patriots 28, Seahawks 24

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• James Carpenter (2009-10), Seattle Seahawks
• Dont’a Hightower (2008-11), New England Patriots

On first down at the New England 5-yard line with 1:05 left in regulation, Hightower arguably had the stop of the game, tackling running back Marshawn Lynch at the 1. Seattle ran the clock down to 26 seconds before snapping the ball, with Jermaine Kearse set to run a pick on Malcolm Butler and Russell Wilson looking to throw a quick slant to Ricardo Lockette over the middle. But Brandon Browner blocked Kearse at the line of scrimmage, and when Wilson threw the ball Butler read the play and made the game-saving interception. ... Hightower was credited with five tackles. ... James Carpenter started at left guard. 

Super Bowl L: Broncos 24, Panthers 10

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• Roman Harper (2002-05), Carolina Panthers
• Evan Mathis (2001-04), Denver Broncos

Mathis started at left guard. ... Harper was credited with two tackles.

Super Bowl LI: Patriots 34, Patriots 28

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• Dont’a Hightower (2008-11), New England Patriots
• Julio Jones (2008-10), Atlanta Falcons
• Courtney Upshaw (2008-11), New England Patriots  

Jones was Atlanta's leading receiver with four receptions for 87 yards, including his  acrobatic 27-yard sideline catch that some consider maybe the best in Super Bowl history, 

Super Bowl LII: Eagles 41, Patriots 33

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• Chance Warmack (2009-12), Philadelphia Eagles 

New England linebacker Dont'a Hightower missed the title game due to a torn pectoral muscle. 

Super Bowl LIII: Patriots 13, Rams 3

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• Mark Barron (2008-11), Los Angeles Rams
• Dont’a Hightower (2008-11), New England Patriots

Hightower had two sacks, the second of which knocked the Rams out of field-goal range and may have been the turning point of the game. He also had two pressures, and a pass breakup that he almost snared for an interception. ... Barron was second on the rams in tackles with eight. ... Barron and Hightower are cousins. 

Super Bowl LIV: Chiefs 31, Rams 20

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• Reggie Ragland (2012-15), Kansas City Chiefs

Ragland started at interior linebacker and was credited with two tackles. 

Super Bowl LVI: Rams 23, Bengals 20

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• A'Shawn Robinson (2013-15), Los Angeles Rams
• Jonah Williams (2016-18), Cincinnati Bengals

The defensive lineman Robinson was credited with six tackles including a sack. Overall, the Rams gave up 79 rushing yards on 20 attempts and notched a Super Bowl record-tying seven sacks. ... Williams was the starting left tackle for Cincinnati. 

Alabama in the Super Bowl (Alphabetically) 

Player (Years at Alabama), NFL Team, Super Bowl 

1. Shaun Alexander (1996-99), Seattle Seahawks, XL - Feb. 5, 2006
2. Mark Anderson (2002-05), Chicago Bears, XLI - Feb. 4, 2007; New England Patriots, XLVI - Feb. 5, 2012
3. Mark Barron (2008-11), Los Angeles Rams, LIII - Feb. 3, 2019
4. Bob Baumhower (1974-76), Miami Dolphins, XVII - Jan. 30, 1983; XIX - Jan. 20, 1985 
5. Cornelius Bennett (1983-86), Buffalo Bills, XXV - Jan 27, 1991; XXVI - Jan. 26, 1992; XXVII - Jan. 31, 1993; XXVIII - Jan. 30, 1994; Atlanta Falcons, XXXIII - Jan. 31, 1999
6. James Carpenter (2009-10), Seattle Seahawks, XLVIII - Feb. 2, 2014; XLIX - Feb. 1, 2015
7. Joe Carter (1980-83), Miami Dolphins, XIX - Jan. 20, 1985
8. Jeremiah Castille (1979-82), XXII - Jan. 31, 1988
9. Terrence Cody (2008-09), Baltimore Ravens, XLVII - Feb. 3, 2013
10. Paul Crane (1963-65), New York Jets, III - Jan. 12, 1969
11. Howard Cross (1985-88), New York Giants, XXV - Jan. 27, 1991, XXXV - Jan. 28, 2001
12. Johnny Davis (1975-77), San Francisco 49ers, XVI - Jan. 24, 1982
13. Brandon Deaderick (2006-09), New England Patriots. XLVI - Feb. 5, 2012
14. Alonzo Ephraim (2000-02), Philadelphia Eagles, XXXIX - Feb. 6, 2005
15. Cornelius Griffin (1998-99), New York Giants, XXXV - Jan. 28, 2001
16. Charley Hannah (1974-76), Los Angeles Raiders, XVIII - Jan. 22, 1984
17. John Hannah (1970-72), New England Patriots, XX - Jan. 26, 1986
18. Roman Harper (2002-05), New Orleans Saints, XLIV - Feb. 6, 2010; Carolina Panthers, L - Feb. 7, 2016
19. Dont’a Hightower (2008-11), New England Patriots, XLIX - Feb. 1, 2015; LI - Feb. 5, 2017; LIII - Feb. 3, 2019
20. Dennis Homan (1965-67), Dallas Cowboys, V - Jan. 17, 1971
21. Bobby Humphrey (1985-88), Denver Broncos, XXIV - Jan. 28, 1990
22. Wilbur Jackson (1971-73), Washington Redskins, XVII - Jan. 30, 1983
23. Julio Jones (2008-10), Atlanta Falcons, LI - Feb. 5, 2017
24. Robbie Jones (1979-82), New York Giants, XXI - Jan. 25, 1987
25. Lee Roy Jordan (1960-62), Dallas Cowboys, V - Jan. 17, 1971; VI - Jan. 16, 1972;.X - Jan. 18, 1976
26. Emmanuel King (1982-84), Cincinnati Bengals, XXIII - Jan. 22, 1989
27. Derrick Lassic (1989-92), Dallas Cowboys, XXVIII - Jan. 30, 1994 (DNP)
28. Anthony Madison (2002-05), Pittsburgh Steelers, XLIII - Feb. 1, 2009; XLV - Feb. 6, 2011
29. Evan Mathis (2001-04), Denver Broncos, L, Feb. 7, 2016
30. Don McNeal (1977-79), Miami Dolphins, XVII - Jan. 30, 1983l XIX - Jan. 20, 1985
31. Chris Mohr (1985-88), Buffalo Bills, XXVI - Jan. 26, 1992; XXVII - Jan. 31, 1993; XXVIII - Jan. 30, 1994
32. Joe Namath (1962-64), New York Jets, * III - Jan. 12, 1969
33. Tony Nathan (1975-78), Miami Dolphins, XVII - Jan. 30, 1983; XIX - Jan. 20, 1985
34. Charlie Peprah (2002-05), Green Bay Packers, XLV - Feb. 6, 2011
35. Ray Perkins (1964-66), Baltimore Colts, III - Jan. 12, 1969; V - Jan. 17, 1971
36. Reggie Ragland (2012-15), Kansas City Chiefs, LIV - Feb. 2, 2020
37. Larry Roberts (1982-85), San Francisco 49ers, XXIII - Jan. 22, 1989; XXIV - Jan. 28, 1990
38. A'Shawn Robinson (2013-15), Los Angeles Rams, XLVI - Feb. 13, 2022 
39. Jeff Rutledge (1975-78), Los Angeles Rams, XIV - Jan. 20, 1980; New York Giants, XXI - Jan. 25, 1987; Washington Redskins, XXVI - Jan. 26, 1992
40. Kenny Stabler (1965-67), Oakland Raiders, XI - Jan. 9, 1977
41. Bart Starr (1952-55), Green Bay Packers, * I - Jan. 15, 1967; * II - Jan. 14, 1968
42. Dwight Stephenson (1977-79), Miami Dolphins, XVII - Jan. 30, 1983; XIX - Jan. 20, 1985
43. Deshea Townsend (1994-97), Pittsburgh Steelers, XL - Feb. 5, 2006; XLIII - Feb. 1, 2009
44. Courtney Upshaw (2008-11), Baltimore Ravens, XLVII - Feb. 3, 2013; New England Patriots, LI - Feb. 5, 2017
45. Chance Warmack (2009-12), Philadelphia Eagles, LII - Feb. 4, 2018
46. Jonah Williams (2016-18), Cincinnati Bengals, LVI - Feb. 13, 20022
47. Sherman Williams (1991-94), Dallas Cowboys, XXX - Jan. 28, 1996
48. Cornelius Wortham (2000-04), Seattle Seahawks, XL - Feb. 5, 2006
49. Steve Wright (1962-64), Green Bay Packers, I - Jan. 15, 1967; II - Jan. 14, 1968 (DNP)

*Super Bowl MVP; DNP = Was active, but did not play in the game.