Alabama Roots Run Deep in the NFL

Nine players with Alabama football roots have been included in the NFL's team-by-team Mount Rushmore, a list of each franchise's top four players.

_{^{Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash}}

Alabama Roots Run Deep in the NFL

The NFL Films and NFL Network have put together a list of each NFL team’s Mount Rushmore - the franchise’s top four players - and nine players with Alabama football roots are included.

The NFL’s team-by-team Mount Rushmore

The players from Alabama high schools and colleges who appeared on the Mount Rushmore list were:

Atlanta Falcons

Wide receiver Julio Jones (Foley, Alabama), who joined quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Michael Vick and cornerback Deion Sanders. Jones played for the Falcons from 2011 through 2020.

Julio Jones in action

Carolina Panthers

Quarterback Cam Newton (Auburn), who joined linebacker Luke Kuechly, defensive end Julius Peppers, and wide receiver Steve Smith. Newton played for the Panthers from 2011 through 2019.

Cam Newton leading the Panthers

Green Bay Packers

Wide receiver Don Hutson (Alabama) and quarterback Bart Starr (Sidney Lanier, Alabama), who joined quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. Hutson played for the Packers from 1935 through 1945, and Starr played for the Packers from 1956 through 1971.

Don Hutson, a legendary receiver

Kansas City Chiefs

Outside linebacker Derrick Thomas (Alabama), who joined tight ends Tony Gonzalez and Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Thomas played for the Chiefs from 1989 through 1999.

Derrick Thomas, a defensive force

Las Vegas/Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders

Quarterback Ken Stabler (Foley, Alabama), who joined running back Marcus Allen, wide receiver Tim Brown, and guard Gene Upshaw. Stabler played for the Raiders from 1970 through 1979.

Ken Stabler, a Raiders legend

New England Patriots

Guard John Hannah (Albertville, Alabama), who joined quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski, and cornerback Ty Law. Hannah played for the Patriots from 1973 through 1985.

John Hannah, a Patriots great

New York Jets

Quarterback Joe Namath (Alabama), who joined running back Curtis Martin, wide receiver Don Maynard, and cornerback Darrelle Revis. Namath played for the Jets from 1965 through 1976.

Joe Namath, a Jets icon

Seattle Seahawks

Offensive tackle Walter Jones (Aliceville), who joined wide receiver Steve Largent, linebacker Bobby Wagner, and quarterback Russell Wilson. Jones played for the Seahawks from 1997 through 2008.

Walter Jones, a Seahawks stalwart

All of the players with Alabama football roots are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame except Julio Jones and Newton, who are not yet eligible for consideration.