COUNTDOWN KING: Roger Shultz Kicks Off Alabama’s 66-Day March to Kickoff—Crimson Tide Legend, Championship Coach, and “Biggest Loser” Hero Embodies Bama Grit

The countdown has begun, and with 66 days until Alabama football returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium, there’s no better way to launch the excitement than by honoring the Crimson Tide warrior who wore the No. 66 jersey with pride, toughness, and leadership—Roger Shultz. For generations of Alabama fans, Roger Shultz represents more than just a number. He symbolizes an era of blue-collar dominance in the trenches, a foundational pillar of Bama football’s identity. His legacy spans far beyond the gridiron, touching coaching, broadcasting, and even reality television, where he shocked the nation with his transformation on The Biggest Loser. As the tide of anticipation builds across Tuscaloosa and beyond, it’s fitting to celebrate a man who embodies the soul of Alabama football.

Roger Shultz arrived at the University of Alabama in the late 1980s, a gritty, no-nonsense center out of Fayetteville, Georgia. From the very beginning, it was clear he was built from a different cloth. As a true freshman, Shultz earned All-American Freshman honors, setting the tone for a college career that would be marked by consistency, grit, and elite-level performance. Over four years, he started 44 consecutive games at center, anchoring the offensive line and becoming the dependable heart of Alabama’s offense. His intelligence, toughness, and leadership were recognized early and often, culminating in back-to-back All-SEC selections and the prestigious Pat Trammell Award, given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of integrity, character, and leadership.

To understand Shultz’s importance, one must understand the context of his era. Alabama football, in the late ’80s and early ’90s, was undergoing a transition. The program was moving from the shadow of Bear Bryant into a new generation that would culminate in national dominance under Gene Stallings. Shultz was a bridge between those eras. He embodied the “Bama Standard”—a relentless work ethic, physical dominance, and an unwavering will to win. Playing center requires a level of mental acuity and leadership unlike any other offensive line position. Shultz not only thrived in that role but set a standard for others to follow. Quarterbacks trusted him. Running backs followed him. And defensive linemen respected him—even if begrudgingly.

But Shultz’s influence didn’t stop when the whistle blew for the final time. Upon graduation, he immediately joined the Alabama coaching staff as a graduate assistant, where he was part of one of the most iconic teams in Crimson Tide history: the 1992 National Championship squad. Working under head coach Gene Stallings, Shultz helped develop a team that went 13-0 and secured Alabama’s first national title since the Bryant era. It was a fitting continuation of his legacy—helping guide the next generation of Bama greats to the mountaintop he helped lay the foundation for. His impact was felt not only in scheme or technique but in the championship mindset he helped cultivate among the players.

His influence was recognized again years later when he was named to the All-Decade Team for the 1990s and the 50-Year All-Iron Bowl Team. These honors weren’t simply ceremonial. They represented the respect he earned from fans, teammates, coaches, and even rivals. The Iron Bowl is the most intense rivalry in college football, and for Shultz to be immortalized on a team honoring half a century of its history speaks volumes about the battles he fought and won in the trenches. He was the type of player who could hold his ground against Auburn’s fiercest defenders, play after play, year after year.

Roger Shultz didn’t fade into the background after football. In fact, his story took an even more compelling turn that captured the attention of an entirely new audience. Years after his playing and coaching days, Shultz made national headlines once again—this time not for blocking defensive tackles, but for shedding an astonishing 164 pounds as a contestant on the hit NBC reality show The Biggest Loser. His time on the show showcased the same mental toughness and competitive fire that defined his football career. Shultz was relatable, gritty, and fiercely determined. Week after week, he pushed through grueling workouts, overcame mental and physical barriers, and ultimately finished as the runner-up, capturing the hearts of millions across America.

His transformation wasn’t just physical. It was symbolic of his entire journey—a story of perseverance, redemption, and resilience. Former teammates and coaches weren’t surprised. They’d seen that determination before, whether it was grinding through double teams on Saturdays or outworking everyone in the weight room. For fans, it was another chapter in a life that had long been defined by overcoming the odds. Shultz didn’t just lose weight; he redefined himself. He became a symbol of what’s possible when passion, drive, and heart converge.

After The Biggest Loser, Roger transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a respected voice in Alabama sports media. His knowledge of the game, infectious personality, and ability to break down complex football concepts in plain language made him a favorite among fans. Whether on radio or TV, Shultz’s love for the Crimson Tide shone through. He never used his platform to boast. Instead, he celebrated others—fellow players, fans, and the Bama tradition itself. In doing so, he became more than a former player; he became a storyteller, a link between the past and present, and an ambassador for everything Alabama football stands for.

As we mark 66 days until Alabama football returns, it’s only fitting to reflect on what that number represents. For most, it’s just a digit in a countdown. For Crimson Tide fans, it’s a reminder of a man who gave everything he had to the program. A four-year starter. A championship coach. A respected broadcaster. A national inspiration. Roger Shultz is all of those things and more. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of Alabama football—not just as a sport, but as a way of life.

In today’s world of college football, where transfer portals, NIL deals, and social media dominate the headlines, the story of Roger Shultz feels like a breath of fresh air. He wasn’t chasing spotlight or stardom. He was chasing greatness—the kind measured not just in wins or stats, but in character, sacrifice, and commitment. That’s what Alabama football has always been about. And that’s why, 66 days out from kickoff, there’s no better person to honor than the man who wore that number with pride.

Younger fans may not have seen him play. They may only know his name from old highlight reels or television appearances. But they’ll recognize his influence every time Alabama lines up with discipline, toughness, and unity. They’ll see echoes of him in every pancake block, every goal-line stand, every relentless push in the fourth quarter. Because Roger Shultz isn’t just a former player—he’s a foundational piece of the culture Alabama has spent generations building.

As Alabama prepares for another run at glory in 2025, stories like Shultz’s serve as a guiding light. The team may be led by new faces and fresh talent, but the expectations remain the same. Excellence. Integrity. Brotherhood. Shultz lived those values every single day, and the program is better because of it. His journey reminds us that being part of Alabama football is about more than just wearing a jersey. It’s about living up to the legacy of those who came before.

So, as the countdown continues and excitement builds with every passing day, let the name Roger Shultz ring loud. Let it remind us of what Alabama football truly stands for. Not just championships or rankings, but men of character who give their all—for their teammates, their fans, and the Crimson Tide legacy.