15 football players from Alabama who never participated in the NFL

Introduction:

The University of Alabama has long been known for its rich football tradition and a pipeline of talented athletes. The program has produced numerous NFL stars, including legends like Joe Namath, Derrick Thomas, and Julio Jones. However, not all players who play for Alabama go on to play in the NFL. Some are overlooked, face injury setbacks, or pursue other career paths. This article explores 15 notable football players from Alabama who had significant college careers but never made it to the NFL.

1. John Parker Wilson (Quarterback, 2006-2009)

John Parker Wilson was a four-year starting quarterback for Alabama under coach Nick Saban. He played during the early years of Saban’s tenure and helped guide the team to multiple bowl appearances, including a victory in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. Wilson finished his career with over 7,000 passing yards and 47 touchdowns. Despite his college success, Wilson was not selected in the 2010 NFL Draft, and he never played in the league. He later became a sports broadcaster and has been involved in various media ventures.

2. Javier Arenas (Cornerback, 2006-2009)

Javier Arenas was one of the most dynamic and versatile players in Alabama history. A standout cornerback and return specialist, Arenas was known for his playmaking ability on both defense and special teams. He was a consensus All-American in 2009 and set numerous school records for punt return yards and touchdowns. Despite this, Arenas was drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft but unfortunately never made a major impact in the NFL. He played only a few seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and was out of the league by 2014. Although Arenas didn’t have a lengthy career in the NFL, his time at Alabama remains legendary.

3. Tyrone Prothro (Wide Receiver, 2002-2005)

Tyrone Prothro was one of the most electrifying players in Alabama football history, particularly known for his incredible one-handed catch against Southern Miss in 2005. He was a key part of Alabama’s offense early in the 2000s and showed great promise as a wide receiver. However, his career was tragically derailed by a devastating leg injury that occurred in 2005 during a game against Florida. The injury kept him from participating in the NFL, and while he briefly attempted a comeback, he never returned to the field at the professional level. Despite his promising potential, Prothro’s time in the NFL never came to fruition.

4. Kenneth Darby (Running Back, 2002-2005)

Kenneth Darby was a standout running back for Alabama and finished his career as one of the program’s all-time leading rushers. Darby was a powerful back who had several strong seasons with Alabama and helped anchor the offense. Despite his college success, Darby was never able to secure a spot in the NFL. Although he went undrafted in 2006, Darby was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but was unable to make an impact in the league and ultimately played only a brief time in the NFL before fading into obscurity.

5. Lee Tiffin (Kicker, 2006-2009)

Lee Tiffin had an outstanding career as Alabama’s placekicker, finishing as one of the most accurate kickers in school history. He won the prestigious Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker in 2009 and had a key role in Alabama’s 2009 national championship victory. Despite his college success, Tiffin’s lack of elite leg strength and limited kicking range likely led to his absence in the NFL. He spent some time in the CFL but never truly made his mark on the NFL scene.

6. Mike Johnson (Offensive Guard, 2006-2009)

Mike Johnson was a highly decorated offensive lineman at Alabama, playing under Coach Nick Saban. Johnson was an All-American and was known for his leadership on the offensive line. His steady play helped solidify one of the strongest offensive lines in the country during his tenure at Alabama. After college, Johnson was drafted by the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, but due to a combination of injuries and lack of development, his professional career was short-lived. He never played in a regular-season NFL game, and his story serves as a reminder of how difficult it can be to transition to the pros, even after a successful college career.

7. Marquis Johnson (Cornerback, 2005-2009)

Marquis Johnson was a standout cornerback who contributed significantly to the Alabama defense throughout his college career. A dependable player, Johnson was often tasked with covering the opposing team’s top receiver. Despite showing promise, he was never drafted in the NFL and did not play at the professional level. After his time at Alabama, he briefly played in the CFL before retiring from football altogether. His story is another example of how difficult it is for some talented players to make the transition to the NFL.

8. Alonzo Lawrence (Cornerback, 2007-2010)

Alonzo Lawrence was an athletic and talented cornerback who came to Alabama as a highly regarded recruit. Although he had moments of brilliance, his career at Alabama was marred by inconsistent play and off-the-field issues. As a result, Lawrence did not have a successful transition to the NFL. He briefly played in the Arena Football League and later pursued a career outside of football. His story serves as a reminder that even highly touted recruits can face setbacks that prevent them from realizing their full potential in professional football.

9. Chris Capps (Offensive Tackle, 2001-2004)

Chris Capps was a powerful offensive lineman for Alabama and helped anchor the Crimson Tide’s line during his college years. After a successful college career, Capps was regarded as a promising NFL prospect. Unfortunately, he suffered a major knee injury during the NFL Combine, which greatly affected his draft stock. He went undrafted and failed to secure a spot in the NFL, which ultimately ended his career. His injury highlights the harsh realities many players face in trying to make it to the professional level.

10. Brandon Gibson (Wide Receiver, 2002-2005)

Brandon Gibson was another wide receiver who made a significant impact on Alabama’s offense, playing alongside players like Tyrone Prothro and Keith Brown. Gibson was known for his speed and hands and was a reliable target for quarterbacks. Despite his college production, Gibson went undrafted and was unable to make it in the NFL. His post-college career was short-lived, and he faded from the professional spotlight quickly.

11. Chris Harris (Linebacker, 2006-2009)

Chris Harris was a solid linebacker for Alabama during the 2000s, playing under Nick Saban. Harris was known for his toughness and leadership on the defensive side of the ball. Although he was a team captain and had a productive college career, Harris was not selected in the NFL Draft and never played professionally. He later went on to coach high school football and remained involved in the game at a different level.

12. Jimmy Johns (Running Back, 2005-2008)

Jimmy Johns was a running back for Alabama during a tumultuous time in the program’s history. He had an impressive skill set but struggled to make an impact on the field. Johns went undrafted and never made it to the NFL, largely due to injuries and off-the-field issues. Despite this, he remains a notable figure in Alabama football history, though his professional career never took off.

13. Courtney Upshaw (Linebacker, 2008-2011)

Courtney Upshaw was a versatile linebacker for Alabama and one of the key defensive players during Alabama’s national championship run in 2009. He was a hard-hitting linebacker with an aggressive playing style. Despite his college success, Upshaw was overlooked by NFL scouts, and he did not get drafted. His story is unique in that he showed immense promise but failed to capitalize on that potential once college ended.

14. B.J. Scott (Cornerback, 2007-2011)

B.J. Scott was a highly regarded cornerback prospect who played at Alabama. His athleticism and skills on the field were impressive, but he struggled to maintain consistency during his time at Alabama. After college, Scott failed to make the NFL, which led him to briefly join the CFL before eventually leaving football altogether. His story reflects the unpredictability of professional football and the challenges some players face in transitioning from college to the pros.

15. Earl Alexander (Defensive Tackle, 2005-2008)

Earl Alexander was a dominant force on Alabama’s defensive line, showing great potential as a future NFL player. However, despite his physical attributes and skills, he was never able to transition to the professional ranks. After going undrafted, Alexander failed to secure a spot on any NFL roster and eventually faded into obscurity. His career serves as a cautionary tale of the fine line between college stardom and the reality of making it in the NFL.

While the University of Alabama has produced a remarkable number of NFL players, the path to the pros is a challenging one, even for those who excel in college football. The stories of these 15 players reflect the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where even the most talented individuals may not reach the heights they aspired to. From injuries to off-field issues to simply not meeting the expectations of NFL scouts, each of these players had a unique journey that didn’t lead to the NFL. Nonetheless, their contributions to Alabama football remain significant, and they are remembered as part of the storied history of the Crimson Tide.