Alabama Football: 15 best NFL Careers ever
![Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Bear Bryant Statue](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F5710f323aac0cf002facaf188aebfe1aa4f33bc5d457d1a7cc45d871cea39332.jpg "Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Bear Bryant Statue")
Few, if any, programs have a rich and storied tradition that can rival that of Alabama Football. This makes it challenging to put together an all-time list of any kind for the Crimson Tide. Keep in mind that this particular list focuses strictly on the NFL careers of these 15 Alabama Football legends.
But first, let’s get the list started with some Honorable Mentions
EJ Junior: The fifth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft, Junior was a two-time Pro Bowler for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1984 and 1985.
Marty Lyons: The 14th overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft, Lyons was a member of the Jets’ imposing defensive line, which was known as the “New York Sack Exchange.”
Woodrow Lowe: After playing linebacker for Alabama under Bear Bryant, Lowe was a fifth round draft choice by the San Diego Chargers in 1976. Something of an ironman, Lowe missed just one game in 11 seasons in the league while snagging 21 interceptions.
15. Mark Ingram
The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner was a late first round selection by the New Orleans Saints in the 2011 NFL Draft. Ingram is a three-time Pro Bowler and the Saints’ all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns.
14. Dwight Stephenson
Dwight Stephenson was chosen in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, and quickly became one of the NFL’s best centers. He helped turn Miami’s offensive line into an elite unit before his career was cut short by a knee injury. Ironically, the injury was inflicted by fellow Alabama Football legend and former teammate Marty Lyons.
13. Cornelius Bennett
The perpetrator of “The Sack,” Bennett entered the NFL with boundless hype as the no. 2 overall pick in the 1987 Draft. Initially drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, Cornelius Bennett played most of his career as a member of the Buffalo Bills.
Bennett played in five Super Bowls, including four with the Bills, but never got a ring. In 14 seasons in the league, the disruptive pass rusher notched 71.5 sacks, 31 forced fumbles, and 27 fumble recoveries.