Countdown to Kickoff: With 9 Weeks to Go, Honoring Alabama Football’s Greatest Players to Ever Wear the Iconic No. 9 Jersey
As the countdown to another thrilling Alabama football season drops to just nine weeks, excitement is building across the Crimson Tide fan base. The number nine isn’t just a mile marker on the calendar—it’s a number that has become synonymous with greatness inside the storied Alabama program. Over the years, the No. 9 jersey has been worn by some of the most electrifying, dynamic, and game-changing players to ever step onto the field in Tuscaloosa. Whether on offense, defense, or special teams, those who’ve donned the No. 9 have left an indelible mark on the program and helped shape the legacy of one of college football’s most dominant dynasties.
The jersey has become a badge of honor, worn by players who don’t just meet expectations but shatter them. From legendary wide receivers to fearsome defensive backs and versatile quarterbacks, the No. 9 has consistently been tied to excellence. It’s a number that often signals explosiveness, leadership, and big-play potential—qualities that every Alabama fan cherishes. As we sit just nine Saturdays away from another Crimson Tide kickoff, it’s only fitting to look back at the best to ever wear the No. 9 in Alabama history.
When you think of the No. 9 jersey in recent Alabama lore, it’s impossible not to begin with Amari Cooper. The Miami native redefined the wide receiver position in Tuscaloosa with his blend of precise route-running, elite hands, and field awareness. Cooper was a dominant force from the moment he stepped on campus, putting up staggering numbers that helped elevate Alabama’s passing attack to new heights. His junior season in 2014 was one for the ages—Cooper hauled in 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns, breaking multiple school records and finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist. His ability to take over games made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a trusted weapon for his quarterbacks. Cooper’s legacy as No. 9 includes being a Biletnikoff Award winner and one of the most productive receivers in SEC history. His success at Alabama catapulted him to a top-five NFL Draft selection and a highly successful professional career, where he continues to be a standout.
While Cooper’s excellence on the offensive side is unquestioned, No. 9 has also been worn by a few defensive game-changers who made sure the jersey was just as feared by opponents when the ball wasn’t in Alabama’s hands. One of the most notable in that regard is Landon Collins, a hard-hitting safety who embodied the toughness and intelligence that has defined Alabama’s defensive units under Nick Saban. Collins wore No. 9 with pride and played with relentless intensity, becoming a leader in the secondary and a tone-setter for the entire defense. His ability to read offenses, deliver punishing hits, and make game-saving plays earned him All-American honors and a reputation as one of the most complete safeties in college football. Collins anchored Alabama’s secondary during the 2013 and 2014 seasons and played a pivotal role in keeping the Crimson Tide in national championship contention during that era.
Beyond Collins and Cooper, the No. 9 jersey has also graced the back of Bryce Young, one of the most iconic quarterbacks in Alabama history. Young brought a different dimension to the number, using it to usher in a new era of quarterback play in Tuscaloosa. Known for his poise, accuracy, and football IQ, Young made history in 2021 when he became Alabama’s first-ever quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy. That season, he threw for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns, displaying a rare ability to make elite plays both inside and outside the pocket. Young’s command of the offense, clutch performances, and unflappable demeanor made him a fan favorite and a leader in every sense of the word. Though he faced immense pressure following the departure of Mac Jones, Young made the No. 9 jersey his own and left Alabama as one of the most decorated signal-callers the program has ever seen.
Alabama’s tradition of excellence in special teams has also been represented by players wearing No. 9. One such standout is Javier Arenas, a dynamic return specialist and cornerback who electrified fans every time he touched the ball. Arenas set numerous records during his time at Alabama, including the all-time mark for punt return yards in SEC history. His ability to flip field position with a single cut or burst of speed made him invaluable, and his contributions to the 2009 national championship team cannot be overstated. While he eventually wore No. 28 for the bulk of his career, Arenas began his Alabama journey donning No. 9, making key plays as a young defensive back and return man. His early impact wearing that number helped set the tone for the player he would become.
Another special athlete who wore the No. 9 and contributed across multiple phases of the game was Brandon Brooks. Though not as well-known as some of the names on this list, Brooks was a versatile contributor during the early 2000s. He saw time at wide receiver and on special teams, carving out a role as a dependable playmaker. His presence reminded fans that wearing No. 9 didn’t always mean putting up gaudy statistics—it meant bringing effort, leadership, and toughness to every snap.
The tradition of excellence tied to No. 9 is not merely a coincidence. Alabama doesn’t hand out jersey numbers without thought. Players earn the opportunity to wear numbers that carry weight, and No. 9 is one of those special jerseys that comes with expectations. It’s about living up to a legacy and then raising the bar even higher. Every player who has worn it understands they’re part of something bigger—a lineage of greatness, a history of winning, and a brotherhood rooted in crimson pride.
As we inch closer to the start of the 2025 season, the player currently wearing No. 9 will have big shoes to fill. That jersey carries echoes of game-winning catches, bone-rattling hits, Heisman speeches, and championship celebrations. The number connects past to present, a symbol of everything Alabama football represents: excellence, dominance, and relentless pursuit of greatness. Whether it’s a true freshman looking to break out or a veteran poised for a leadership role, the No. 9 is a spotlight number—a jersey that comes alive under the Saturday lights.
With just nine weeks remaining until kickoff, Alabama fans can reflect proudly on the legacy of those who’ve worn No. 9 before. These are the players who have shaped the identity of the program, who have delivered in the clutch, and who have etched their names into Crimson Tide lore. And if history is any guide, the next star to wear the number will only add to its legend, turning big moments into unforgettable memories and keeping the Alabama standard as high as ever.
