Super Bowl 59 is set to be an electrifying showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday night. The Eagles are eager to capture their second Super Bowl title in franchise history, while the Chiefs are on the verge of making history themselves, aiming to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to achieve a three-peat. As the excitement builds, there’s an intriguing subplot that connects this championship clash to college football, particularly the storied program of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
The Alabama Super Bowl Touchdowns Curse
It’s a surprising statistic that has college football fans scratching their heads: no former Alabama player has ever scored a rushing or receiving touchdown in the Super Bowl. Can you believe it? The Crimson Tide boasts an impressive 31 Super Bowl receptions without a single score. This puts them in a position to potentially surpass Michigan’s streak of 34 Super Bowl catches without a touchdown.
You might be thinking of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who did score three rushing touchdowns in Super Bowl 57 against the Chiefs. However, Hurts’ college journey began at Alabama before he transferred to Oklahoma, where he finished his career and was drafted. So, the quest to end this peculiar streak continues.
Alabama Players in Super Bowl 59
As we look ahead to the big game, there are a few players who could finally break this long-standing curse. The spotlight shines brightest on former Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith, one of the Eagles’ leading receivers. Philadelphia is stacked with talent from Alabama, featuring four former players on their roster:
- WR DeVonta Smith
- OL Tyler Steen
- CB Eli Ricks
- OG Landon Dickerson
On the other hand, the Chiefs don’t have any Alabama alumni on their roster, which means the hopes of breaking the Alabama touchdown drought rest heavily on Smith’s shoulders. In the postseason, he has tallied 122 receiving yards without a touchdown. However, during the regular season, he was a force to be reckoned with, finishing second on the team with 833 receiving yards and leading the squad with eight touchdowns.
Two years ago, Smith made a significant impact in the Super Bowl, catching a 45-yard pass from Hurts, only to be ruled down at the two-yard line. He led the Eagles in receiving during that game, pulling in seven receptions for 100 yards. If the Eagles emerge victorious on Sunday, Smith would join an elite group of players who have won a national championship, a Heisman Trophy, and a Super Bowl.
Best Alabama Players in Super Bowl History
Alabama has produced a plethora of NFL talent that has shined on the Super Bowl stage. Some of the most notable names are quarterbacks who have left an indelible mark on the game.
Former Crimson Tide quarterback Bart Starr was a pioneer, winning the league’s first two Super Bowls in 1967 and 1968 with the Green Bay Packers. He was named MVP in both games, throwing for a combined 452 yards, three touchdowns, and only one interception. His victories came against the Chiefs and the Raiders, showcasing his incredible skill with a passer rating of 100.6 in both wins.
Another legendary figure is Joe Namath, who led the New York Jets to victory in Super Bowl 3 in 1968. Namath threw for 206 yards as the Jets triumphed over the Baltimore Colts, scoring a rushing touchdown and three field goals along the way.
Then there’s Ken Stabler, the former Oakland Raiders quarterback, who clinched Super Bowl 11 in 1977. Stabler threw for 180 yards and one touchdown in the Raiders’ 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Alabama’s legacy extends beyond quarterbacks. Former running back Shaun Alexander played in Super Bowl 40 with the Seattle Seahawks against the Pittsburgh Steelers, rushing for 95 yards in a 21-10 loss.
Defensive players from Alabama have also made their mark. Linebacker Lee Roy Jordan was instrumental in the Dallas Cowboys’ 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl 6, recording five tackles. Meanwhile, linebacker Dont’a Hightower won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, contributing key plays that helped secure victories, including a pivotal strip-sack against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in Super Bowl 51.
Can DeVonta Smith Break the Curse?
As Super Bowl 59 approaches, all eyes will be on DeVonta Smith. Can he finally break the Alabama touchdown curse? The anticipation is palpable. With a chance to make history and join an exclusive club of champions, Smith has the opportunity to not only shine on the biggest stage but also to redefine Alabama’s legacy in the Super Bowl.
The stakes are high, and the excitement is building. As fans gear up for this monumental clash, the connection between college football and the NFL is more evident than ever. Will the Eagles soar to victory, or will the Chiefs continue their dynasty? One thing is for sure: Super Bowl 59 promises to be a thrilling spectacle, filled with drama, passion, and the hope of breaking long-standing records.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of football!
