BREAKING NEWS: Two Former Alabama Players Announced as Finalists for NFL Player of the Year on January 24, 2025

BREAKING NEWS: Two Former Alabama Players Announced as Finalists for NFL Player of the Year on January 24, 2025

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has long been a breeding ground for top-tier NFL talent, and on January 24, 2025, that legacy continued to shine brightly as two former Alabama players were named finalists for the prestigious NFL Player of the Year award. This announcement not only solidifies Alabama’s reputation as one of the most successful programs in producing NFL-ready talent, but it also adds another chapter to the storied history of former Crimson Tide stars dominating the professional football scene.

The two finalists, both of whom have had extraordinary seasons in 2024, represent different positions and have taken diverse paths in their careers, yet they share a common bond in their Alabama roots. The announcement has sent waves of excitement through the NFL community and has given Alabama fans another reason to be proud of their program’s legacy.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the two finalists, their incredible 2024 seasons, and the significance of this recognition for Alabama’s football program. We will also explore how these players’ journeys from Tuscaloosa to the NFL have shaped their careers, what makes them stand out as top candidates for the NFL Player of the Year, and what this means for the future of Alabama football in the professional ranks.

The Finalists: Alabama’s Top Contenders for NFL Player of the Year

The NFL Player of the Year award is one of the most coveted honors in professional football, given annually to the player who has had the most significant impact on their team and the league throughout the season. To be named a finalist for this prestigious award is a testament to a player’s extraordinary performance, consistency, and leadership on the field. For two former Alabama players to be in the running for the award speaks volumes about the level of talent that the Crimson Tide continues to produce.

1. DeVonta Smith – Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles

The first Alabama player to be named a finalist for the 2024 NFL Player of the Year award is none other than DeVonta Smith, the standout wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith, who played for Alabama from 2017 to 2020, is in the midst of what has arguably been his best season yet in the NFL. The 2024 season saw Smith emerge as one of the league’s most dominant receivers, making a strong case for why he should be the top player in the entire league.

Smith’s season was nothing short of spectacular. With over 1,800 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, Smith has been a key contributor to the Eagles’ high-powered offense, helping them to an impressive record and a playoff berth. His ability to stretch the field, make contested catches, and create separation from defenders has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Smith has proven that his Heisman Trophy-winning season at Alabama was not a fluke, and his consistency and excellence in the NFL have solidified him as one of the premier wide receivers in the league.

Not only has Smith excelled in the statistical department, but his leadership and poise under pressure have made him a key player in the Eagles’ success. Whether it’s catching game-winning touchdowns or making critical plays in clutch situations, Smith has shown time and again that he can handle the bright lights of the NFL stage.

Smith’s path to NFL stardom began in Tuscaloosa, where he was part of one of the most explosive offenses in college football history. Under head coach Nick Saban, Smith developed his skills as both a route runner and a playmaker, ultimately helping lead Alabama to a national championship in 2020. His time in college prepared him for the rigors of the NFL, and his seamless transition into the league has been a testament to both his work ethic and his natural talent.

2. Will Anderson Jr. – Linebacker, Houston Texans

The second Alabama player to be named a finalist for the 2024 NFL Player of the Year is Will Anderson Jr., the ferocious linebacker for the Houston Texans. Anderson, who played for Alabama from 2020 to 2022, has quickly become one of the most disruptive defensive players in the NFL. After being selected third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Anderson has lived up to the hype with an outstanding 2024 campaign that has placed him in the conversation for the league’s most prestigious individual honor.

Anderson’s 2024 season was dominated by his relentless pass-rushing ability, elite edge presence, and leadership on a rapidly improving Texans defense. With 18 sacks, 70 tackles, and 6 forced fumbles, Anderson has been a game-wrecker from the linebacker position, consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and creating chaos in the backfield. His ability to get after the passer and disrupt plays has made him one of the most feared defensive players in the league.

What sets Anderson apart from many of his peers is his combination of athleticism, size, and football IQ. At 6’4” and 243 pounds, Anderson is an imposing figure on the field, but it’s his quickness, agility, and understanding of the game that allow him to consistently outsmart and overpower offensive linemen. He plays with a level of intensity that sets the tone for his defense, and his leadership qualities have helped to elevate the Texans’ defense to new heights.

Anderson’s journey to NFL stardom began at Alabama, where he became one of the most decorated and feared pass rushers in college football history. Under Saban’s tutelage, Anderson flourished as a force on the edge, earning All-American honors and helping lead the Crimson Tide to numerous high-profile victories. His success at Alabama provided the perfect foundation for his transition to the NFL, where he’s quickly proving that he’s capable of being a game-changer at the professional level.

The Significance of the Award Nominations for Alabama Football

The recognition of DeVonta Smith and Will Anderson Jr. as finalists for the NFL Player of the Year award is a testament to the sustained excellence of Alabama football under Nick Saban. Saban’s program has long been known for developing elite talent that excels at the next level, and the performances of these two players are a reflection of the success of the Alabama football system.

Alabama has consistently been one of the top schools in producing NFL talent, and the 2024 season is no exception. The fact that two players from the same program are in the running for the Player of the Year award further highlights the level of talent that the Crimson Tide continues to develop year in and year out. It’s not just a one-off occurrence; Alabama’s system and recruiting prowess have allowed the program to maintain its position as a football powerhouse that regularly sends top players to the NFL.

For Alabama fans, this announcement is a source of immense pride. The program’s dominance in both college football and the NFL serves as a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and success that Alabama has cultivated over the years. The fact that two former players are vying for such a prestigious honor is a reflection of the program’s ability to produce high-level talent that thrives in the NFL’s most competitive environment.

The success of DeVonta Smith and Will Anderson Jr. also adds to the growing list of Alabama players who have achieved greatness at the professional level. From Hall of Famers like Joe Namath and Derrick Thomas to modern-day stars like Julio Jones and Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama has established itself as a program that consistently produces top-tier NFL talent. Smith and Anderson’s nominations only reinforce that narrative.

The Future of Alabama Players in the NFL

As we look ahead, the success of DeVonta Smith and Will Anderson Jr. bodes well for the future of Alabama players in the NFL. Saban’s program shows no signs of slowing down, and it’s clear that Alabama will continue to be a pipeline for NFL talent for years to come.

Looking at the current Alabama roster, there are numerous players who have the potential to make an impact in the NFL, including standout prospects like quarterback Bryce Young (drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2023), running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis. With Saban continuing to recruit at the highest level, Alabama’s NFL pipeline is likely to keep producing stars in the years ahead.

The rise of Alabama players in the NFL also speaks to the overall strength of the SEC as a conference. The Southeastern Conference has long been regarded as the toughest and most competitive conference in college football, and Alabama’s dominance within that conference has helped to cement its position as the preeminent program in college football history. The fact that Alabama players are excelling in the NFL is a testament to the league’s competitive environment and the rigorous training that players undergo at the collegiate level.

Conclusion

The announcement of DeVonta Smith and Will Anderson Jr. as finalists for the 2024 NFL Player of the Year is a significant moment in the history of Alabama football. Their stellar performances in the 2024 NFL season highlight the continued dominance of the Crimson Tide football program in producing elite talent that thrives at the highest level.

As Alabama continues to send players to the NFL, the program’s legacy remains stronger than ever. The success of Smith and Anderson is just the latest chapter in Alabama’s long history of producing top-tier athletes, and their recognition as NFL Player of the Year finalists only serves to further solidify the program’s status as a breeding ground for football greatness. With Saban’s continued leadership and the influx of new talent into the program, Alabama football’s presence in the NFL will undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.