Alabama’s NFL Draft: The No. 246-starting quarterback won two Super Bowl rings
In the world of the National Football League (NFL), success stories are often shaped by the players who defy the odds. While high-profile prospects from prestigious programs like Alabama tend to dominate the NFL Draft, there are a select few who come from the later rounds, sometimes even from overlooked positions, to become legends of the game. These players’ journeys are often filled with adversity, determination, and moments of inspiration that continue to resonate with fans and aspiring athletes. One such iconic player is Tom Brady, who, although not an Alabama product, embodies the journey of a quarterback drafted in the lower rounds of the NFL Draft, who went on to win multiple Super Bowls and redefine the position. Brady’s story is an extraordinary reminder that the NFL Draft, which typically focuses on the top prospects, has its share of late-round gems who can become legends.
While Tom Brady himself is not an Alabama player, his story has much to teach us about perseverance and the surprising paths players take to NFL success. For the purposes of this article, we will draw a comparison between his journey and the type of underdog stories that can arise from Alabama’s long history of producing NFL talent. While Brady’s success may seem improbable given his draft position, it’s a tale that resonates with countless players from all backgrounds and experiences, including those drafted from prestigious programs like Alabama. The concept of a quarterback selected much later in the draft (or sometimes even undrafted) rising to greatness is a theme that has repeated itself in various forms throughout NFL history.
The NFL Draft Process: An Unpredictable Journey
The NFL Draft is often described as one of the most unpredictable events in professional sports. Each year, hopeful college athletes from across the country enter the draft process, where their futures are determined based on the evaluations of teams, coaches, and general managers. The draft itself is divided into seven rounds, with 32 teams selecting one player per round. The first few rounds tend to feature the biggest names—top college athletes with eye-popping statistics and exceptional talent. By the time teams reach the later rounds, however, they are often selecting players who have less exposure or have some level of risk associated with them.
For a player like Brady, who was drafted 199th overall by the New England Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft, the journey was never guaranteed. Brady’s story as a six-time Super Bowl champion, multiple-time MVP, and considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time is nothing short of a fairytale. But before all of that, he was an afterthought in a draft filled with hype about other quarterbacks, including names like Chad Pennington, Giovanni Carmazzi, and Chris Redman. Brady wasn’t seen as a franchise quarterback—he was merely a developmental project who was drafted as a backup.
Despite entering the NFL with little fanfare, Brady’s story is a testament to the idea that talent and determination don’t always correlate with draft position. It’s the culmination of countless hours of practice, resilience, and a willingness to outwork others—something that often gets overlooked in favor of the more glamorous first-round picks. And while Tom Brady’s name may not be linked to Alabama, the university has produced numerous NFL stars who, much like Brady, overcame long odds to become dominant figures in the league.
Alabama’s NFL Legacy: A Legacy of Quarterbacks and Greatness
When we think of Alabama football, we often think of the dynasty built by legendary coaches like Bear Bryant and Nick Saban, along with a roster of players who became household names. Alabama has produced an impressive list of NFL talent, with players in nearly every position excelling at the next level. But perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Alabama’s contribution to the NFL Draft is how some of its quarterbacks have managed to leave an imprint on the league—whether they were first-round selections or came from much later rounds.
While Alabama is synonymous with producing top-tier defensive and offensive players, the university has also cultivated some surprising quarterback talents. Names like Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, and more recently, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, have all become part of the Alabama legacy in the NFL. However, there are also lesser-known quarterbacks who made an impact despite their draft positioning.
Take Greg McElroy, for instance. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, McElroy wasn’t an obvious choice to be an NFL starter. Yet, McElroy managed to carve out a respectable career, even taking the field for a few key moments in his career. McElroy wasn’t a top-tier quarterback in terms of draft stock, but his performance in Alabama’s national championship run highlighted the kind of leadership and poise that Alabama quarterbacks are known for. Though McElroy’s career didn’t last as long as many had hoped, it’s a testament to the kind of underdog mentality that players like Brady have embraced: you don’t have to be drafted high to make an impact.
The most notable case, of course, is Bart Starr, who went on to become one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history after being drafted in the 17th round (200th overall) of the 1956 NFL Draft. Starr’s low draft position didn’t prevent him from leading the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships, including the first two Super Bowls, making him one of the true pioneers of the quarterback position in the NFL. His career serves as another shining example that the draft is not always the true measure of a player’s future success.
Overcoming the Odds: Brady’s Journey from Backup to Legend
For quarterbacks like Brady, who were not viewed as top prospects, the opportunity to succeed often depends on the right team and coaching staff. In Brady’s case, he entered the NFL as a backup to Drew Bledsoe with the Patriots. It wasn’t until Bledsoe’s injury in 2001 that Brady was given his chance to start. From that moment, Brady seized the opportunity, leading the Patriots to an unexpected Super Bowl win in his first year as a starter.
What set Brady apart from many other quarterbacks was not only his on-field performance but his approach to the game. Known for his exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of improvement, Brady quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. He didn’t have the strongest arm, nor was he the most athletic quarterback, but his intelligence, decision-making, and leadership qualities made him a natural fit for the NFL. In many ways, Brady’s success is rooted in the traits that often get overlooked during the evaluation process in the draft.
Brady’s career trajectory also demonstrates how much the NFL has changed over time. With new coaching philosophies, systems, and player development techniques, Brady was able to maximize his strengths and evolve into one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Over the course of his career, he accumulated numerous accolades, including seven Super Bowl victories, five Super Bowl MVP awards, and three NFL MVPs. His success, particularly after being drafted in the later rounds, has led to a reevaluation of how teams scout and develop players.
The Bigger Picture: Lessons for Today’s NFL Draft
Brady’s career offers a powerful lesson for today’s NFL Draft: the importance of developing players and giving them the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their draft position. Teams today must prioritize creating environments where players can grow, learn, and be given the chance to prove themselves, rather than simply writing them off based on where they were selected.
For Alabama’s quarterbacks, and players from similar programs, the NFL Draft provides a platform for them to show what they’re truly capable of. Whether a player is drafted in the first round or the seventh, their potential is shaped by more than just their physical skills; it is their mental toughness, resilience, and determination that often make the difference in their careers.
Moreover, the continued success of late-round quarterbacks like Brady should serve as a reminder to teams that there’s value in taking risks and investing in player development. Whether through scouting lesser-known players or offering a chance for a young quarterback to learn from a veteran, the key to success lies in recognizing talent and giving players the time they need to adjust and thrive at the highest level.
The Legacy of the Underdog
While Tom Brady’s name will always be associated with one of the greatest NFL careers of all time, his journey from the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft to seven-time Super Bowl champion serves as a testament to the idea that greatness often comes from unexpected places. The same lesson applies to quarterbacks from programs like Alabama: success is not determined by where you’re drafted, but by how you take advantage of the opportunities you’re given.
As the NFL Draft continues to evolve, it’s clear that some of the most important players in league history were once afterthoughts. Whether drafted in the first round or the sixth, these players remind us that success is determined not by initial expectations but by the perseverance, grit, and talent players demonstrate in the years that follow.
So, as fans continue to watch Alabama quarterbacks rise to prominence in the NFL, let us not forget that the next Tom Brady may be lurking somewhere in the draft, waiting for the right opportunity to prove the doubters wrong and carve out his own legendary career.
