Paul W. Bryant Museum

Crimson Tide Completes Two-A-Day Practices

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:14:54 -0500

Greg McElroy and Eryk Anders talk about UA football practice

Quote of the Dat

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:03:59 -0500

"I guess I'm just too full of Bama"

Tommy Lewis explaining why he came off the bench to tackle Rice's Dicky Moegle in the 1954 Cotton Bowl.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:58:36 -0500

June 19, 1960

More than 100 former players of Wallace Wade are in Tuscaloosa for a reunion honoring the famed coach who left Alabama 30 years ago for Duke. The reunion, ramrodded by Jeff Coleman, features a presentation to Wade of a massive sterling silver service which includes a tray, pitcher and 12 goblets.

Quote of the Day

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:46:12 -0500

"Coach Bryant pays me to have players on the practice field not in the training room feeling sorry for themselves."

Coach Jim Goostree's explanation to a reporter who remarked Alabama's training facilities was not as large or plush as the other SEC schools.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:45:36 -0500

June 17, 1986

Alabama will move its game with Vanderbilt to September 6 from September 27 to accommodate WTBS, says head coach and athletic director Ray Perkins

Quote of the Day

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:33:00 -0500

"When I heard Coach Bryant say I could be the next Lee Roy Jordan I didn't even know who he was. I went and read up on him and found out he was one of Alabama's greatest players and he was one of the NFL's best players with the Dallas Cowboys. I don't know if that statement motivated me, but it sure made me proud"

All-American linebacker Woodrow Lowe after Bryant's remarks in 1973.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:32:19 -0500

June 16, 1953

General Motors will sponsor 11 complete football games on 82 NBC stations during the '53 season, including the October 17 Alabama-Tennessee game from Legion Field in Birmingham. University alumnus Mel Allen and Tennessee graduate Lindsey Nelson will be the announcers for the contest.

Quote of the Day

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:05:27 -0500

'I can't imagine being in a Hall of Fame with Coach Bryant. There ought to be two Hall of Fames, one for Coach Bryant and one for everybody else."

Ozzie Newsome upon his induction into the State of Alabama Hall of Fame in February 1992.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:59:04 -0500

June 15, 1892

Wallace Wade, who would become famous as the head coach at Alabama from 1923-30, is born in Trenton, Tenn. During his Bama career, Wade posted a 61-13-3 record, including three national championship seasons.

Quote of the Day

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:26:09 -0500

"It's the greatest football team I've ever been associated with. It's the greatest football team I ever saw."

Coach Bryant on his 1966 team.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:24:10 -0500

June 12, 1989

Another story of tragedy and courage on the Alabama football team is developing. Promising freshman redshirt center George Wilson, who had an excellent spring, suffered an accidental self-inflicted gun wound to his left foot Saturday and has undergone 14 hours of surgery to try to save his damaged foot. Doctors indicate today that the majority of his foot can be saved but his left big toe was amputated this morning.

Quote of the Day

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:30:52 -0500

"He can take his'n and beat you'm and he can take you'm and beat his'n."

Famous Florida A&M Coach Jake Gaither's evaluation of Paul Bryant as a head coach

Bama Trivia... on this day

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:20:10 -0500

June 11, 1990

According to articles published in Birmingham, Coach Gene Stallings' staff is doing an excellent job of mending fences with high school coaches of the state. According to the article, Stallings and his staff are held in high esteem by the coaches.

Quote of the Day

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:33:22 -0500

"The best I ever hoped for was to have my picture hanging up in a Hardee’s in Hamilton."

Quarterback Gary Hollingsworth when asked if he had ever expected to have his picture appear in Sports Illustrated.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:07:26 -0500

June 10, 1971

Johnny Musso joins Penn State's Lydell Mitchell, Texas' Stan Mauldin and New Mexico's Rocky Long on a 20-day trip to Vietnam. It is the second consecutive year an Alabama player has been asked to go visit the troops; Scott Hunter went a year ago. Musso is an A student in pre-law and is recognized as the premier running back in the SEC.

Quote of the Day

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 08:02:57 -0500

''You're a great athlete with a great arm. It's a shame you don't have time to use it"

Leroy Cook talking to Tennessee quarterback Randy Wallace after sacking him in the 30-7 Bama win in 1975. It was one off our for Cook and one of 13 for the team.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 07:58:51 -0500

June 9, 1983

The city of Tuscaloosa announces plans to change the name of 10th Street to Paul Bryant Drive.

Quote of the Day

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 08:57:12 -0500

"I didn't care if we ever quit practicing. I loved it The only other guy I ever knew who loved it as much was Jerry Duncan. He would beg to practice even when he was hurt. I've actually seen him cry because the trainer told him he
couldn't scrimmage."

Coach Bryant on Jerry Duncan his star tackle in 1964-66.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 08:55:48 -0500

June 8, 1960

Former Alabama star Hootie Ingram, now an assistant coach at Wake Forest and en route to Tallahassee for a coaching clinic at Florida State, is in Tuscaloosa visiting with family and friends. When asked if he liked college coaching, Ingram replies, "Yes, but recruiting is a humbling experience." Ingram notes how he was sent to Pennsylvania and New Jersey on a recruiting trip. "I'd never been there before and it was my first time on a turnpike. I didn't know when to get off, so I just drove to where it ended, turned back around and headed South."

Quote of the Day

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 10:40:21 -0500

"I was determined I was going to block that field goal There was no way I was going to let Alabama lose."

Safety Stacy Harrison after blocking a field goal in
the Tide's 9-6 win over Tennessee in 1990.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 10:36:40 -0500

June 5, 1965

Hundreds of Coach Bryant's former players gather at his special coaching clinic at Lake Martin. Among those in attendance at this year's affair are Texas A&M head coach Gene Stallings and several of his assistants, including Dee Powell and Bud Moore, LSU head coach Charlie McClendon and his defensive coordinator Pat James and Oklahoma State assistant Elwood Ketter. Former Bryant pupils currently playing pro football attending the clinic are George Blanda, Tommy Brooker, Lee Roy Jordan, Butch Wilson, Billy Neighbors, Babe Parilli, and Bob Fry. Parilli, Jordan and James are among the guest lecturers, and one of the lighter moments of the festivities comes during James' lecture on defensive technique when he bruises Kentucky assistant Charley Pell.

Quote of the Day

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:00:26 -0500

"Sometimes in practice, the rest of us just stand back and watch David do his thing. He does things on the football
field that Michael Jordan wishes he could do on the basketball court. This guy is going to be unreal"

Siran Stacy talking about his freshman teammate in 1991

Bama Trivia... on this day

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 08:55:47 -0500

June 4, 1927

Former Alabama star Johnny Mack Brown is filming his first movie The Fair Co-Ed The movie will soon appear in screens across the country with Hollywood starlet Marion Davies sharing the spotlight with the ex-Tide halfback. It is certain the film, being hailed by Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studios officials as the best college movie ever made will be as popular as Brown in the land of Dixie. An honor student who worked his way through school while finding time to star in football, baseball and track, University officials say there has never been a more handsome or popular boy at the University.

Quote of the Day

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 11:38:44 -0500

"That 1934 team was my greatest It had what it took But my favorite team of all was that green 1944 eleven. Oh, how I loved those War Babies! Those boys were just kids but they worked with all their strength and heart to win."

Coach Thomas on his memorable teams.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 11:14:21 -0500

June 3, 1991

Cleveland Brown receiver Ozzie Newsome, who earned All-American honors at Alabama during his brilliant 1974-77 career, is awarded the "Byron Whizzer' White Humanitarian Award," given annually to an NFL player who distinguishes himself with public service. Newsome receives his award at a banquet in Chicago.

Quote of the Day

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 08:31:30 -0500

"There goes a great coach. I'll never forget what he did today. If he had wanted, he could have named the score."

Southern Cal's coach Jeff Cravath talking about Frank Thomas after the 1946 Rose Bowl won by Alabama 34-14.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 08:30:55 -0500

June 2, 1964

Richard Williamson is added to the Alabama staff. The 23-year-old former Fort Deposit High star will coach receivers, linebackers and the freshman team, says head coach Paul Bryant. Other members set for the 1964 staff are Carney Laslie, Sam Bailey, Gene Stallings, Dude Hennessey, Clem Gryska, Howard Schnel-lenberger, Dee Powell and Jimmy Sharpe.

Quote of the Day

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:03:18 -0500

"So fans, we have seen a nothing-to nothing tie and Lindsey and I can still be friends."

Alabama alumnus Mel Allen signing off the air with Tennessee alumnus Lindsey Nelson after the two schools tied 0-0 in 1953. The game was televised by NBC with the two Hall of Fame announcers calling the action.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:01:38 -0500

June 1, 1968

Kenny Stabler and Dennis Homan have been named to compete in the College Football All-Star game this summer. The College stars will battle the NFL Champion Green Bay Packers, winners over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II. Packer quarterback Bart Starr, the former Alabama signal-caller, has been MVP of both world championship games.

Quote of the Day

Fri, 29 May 2009 08:38:53 -0500

''He was more than a coach to me. He was more like a father. I never made a move without seeking and receiving his advice. It was always the right advice, too."

Alabama star Harry Gilmer in mourning
Frank Thomas' death.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Fri, 29 May 2009 08:37:16 -0500

May 29, 1966

Pat Trammell, the former Tide quarterback who spurned offers of professional football, officially fulfills his professional dream of becoming a doctor today.

Quote of the Day

Thu, 28 May 2009 07:43:05 -0500

"I really didn't do anything special I had great blocking from my teammates. They deserve the credit."

Alabama star Harry Gilmer after rushing six times for 216 yards and completing two passes in two attempts for 50 more in a 60-19 win over Kentucky in 1945.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Thu, 28 May 2009 07:41:38 -0500

May 28, 1968

Paul Bryant recommends artificial turf be installed at Legion Field in Birmingham and Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and notes the University will immediately begin installing the synthetic grass on the practice fields on the University campus. The approximate cost of putting in a 100-yard field is $200,000. City officials in Birmingham seem to concur with Bryant's wishes, noting the atrocious playing conditions that exist with the seemingly ever worn out grass at Legion Field.

Quote of the Day

Wed, 27 May 2009 09:04:13 -0500

''The game demonstrated the superiority of the Southern teams over any aggregation that the damn yankees could send across the Mason and Dixon line."

Sports writer Charles Israel the Philadelphia Bulletin after the Tide's 61-6 win over Syracuse in the 1953 Orange Bowl.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Wed, 27 May 2009 08:59:36 -0500

May 27, 1964

Each member of the SEC will receive at least $60,000 from television participation this coming year. The Alabama-Auburn game and the Miss. State-Ole Miss game are slated for national television, assuring those four schools of a conference-high $81,000. The Alabama-Auburn game will be played on Thanksgiving Day. One conference official is overheard saying, "There are times when it pays to be in a conference. Maybe those folks at Georgia Tech aren't riding so high right now." Tech will receive no television money since it has pulled out of the SEC.

Quote of the Day

Tue, 26 May 2009 08:26:14 -0500

"Bobby Marlow is the greatest running back I've ever coached against"
Georgia Tech head coach Bobby Dodd after Marlow gained 180 yards vs. the Yellow Jackets in 1950.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Tue, 26 May 2009 08:19:01 -0500

May 26, 1964

Peter Finney reports in the New Orleans paper from the SEC spring meeting in Mobile that Alabama coach Paul Bryant is looking much healthier than a year ago when the Bama coach was in the midst of his battle with The Saturday Evening Post Finney reports Bryant has settled out of court for $300,000 tax free. The publication is still in appeals trying to reduce the money it owes to Wally Butts who was awarded $10 million.

Quote of the Day

Fri, 22 May 2009 08:55:37 -0500

"I walked into the first team meeting and Coach Thomas wrote on the black-board T-E-N-N-E-S-S-E-E. I asked what's he writing that for? A couple of the other players said, 'Rookie, don't be so dumb. That's the game we have to win around here.'"

Gordon Pettus remembering his initial session at Alabama in 1945.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Fri, 22 May 2009 08:54:39 -0500

May 22, 1953

Alabama safety Hootie Ingram and lineman Ed Culpepper have been chosen as the Southeastern Conference's pre-season best defensive back and best blocking lineman. Alabama, coming off its 61-6 win over Syracuse in the Orange Bowl, is selected as the team to beat in the SEC followed by Georgia Tech and Ole Miss.

Quote of the Day

Thu, 21 May 2009 08:06:39 -0500

"Football Freddie, rugged and tan; Football Freddie, collegiate man. "

Words from Rudy Vallee's song "Football Freddie" dedicated in 1930 to Alabama star tackle and Phi Beta Kappa star Fred Sington.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Thu, 21 May 2009 07:56:37 -0500

May 21, 1960

Charley Boswell is featured on the NBC Show This is Your Life hosted by Ralph Edwards. Among those on hand to help Boswell remember his moments growing up in Ensley, his athletic days at Alabama and his World War II hero days, is famous entertainer Bob Hope. Boswell, who was blinded during the war, donates his monies from the show to his favorite charity, "The Alabama Sight Conservation Association."

Quote of the Day

Wed, 20 May 2009 08:44:52 -0500

"Dixie Howell was in great form and lived up to my belief that he is as great as the immortal Gipp (Notre Dame's George who was Frank Thomas' roommate)."

Coach Thomas on Howell's play in the Rose Bowl win over Stanford.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Wed, 20 May 2009 08:43:05 -0500

May 20, 1971

Halfback Johnny Musso, receiver David Bailey, lineman John Hannah, linebacker Jeff Rouzie and defensive end Robin Parkhouse are members of the pre-season All-SEC team chosen by the league coaches. Despite having five men on the team, the coaches pick Alabama fourth in the SEC behind Auburn, LSU and Tennessee

Quote of the Day

Tue, 19 May 2009 07:47:36 -0500

''Fordham had its 'Seven Blocks of Granite' but it was cracked today by an incessant flood of the Alabama Crimson Tide."

Coach Frank Thomas after his 1939 team upset the famed Fordham squad featuring its fabled line which included Vince Lombardi 7-6 at the Polo Grounds.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Tue, 19 May 2009 07:46:58 -0500

May 19, 1988

John Forney, who served on the Alabama broadcast team from 1953-82, is returning as the play-by-play commentator for the 1988 season, it is announced today at the football complex by Crimson Tide athletic director Steve Sloan.

Quote of the Day

Mon, 18 May 2009 08:22:11 -0500

"Can you imagine going unbeaten with only one tie and not get a bowl bid?"

Coach Frank Thomas after his 8-0-1 Tide was ignored by the bowls in 1936.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Mon, 18 May 2009 08:21:02 -0500

May 18, 1979

Coach Paul Bryant goes back to Texas for a reunion with his 1954 Texas A&M team, the famed squad taken to Junction, Tex., for what was termed a "football boot camp." Only 27 players returned from the Junction to play for Texas A&M and 23 of those were at the reunion. While Bryant is out of town, the Birmingham News reports the league coaches are picking Alabama to repeat as SEC Champions but only two Bama players receive "best awards." Dwight Stephenson is listed as the "best offensive lineman" and Major Ogilvie the "best blocker in the SEC."

Quote of the Day

Fri, 15 May 2009 07:49:09 -0500

"Don't give up. We haven't had a chance to go with the ball yet. We're going to receive and we're going to run them into the ground "

Alabama center Joe Domanovich talking to his teammates at the 1943 Orange Bowl after the Tide fell behind Boston College 14-0 in the opening moments of the game. The Tide would rally for a 37-21 win.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Fri, 15 May 2009 07:48:02 -0500

May 15, 1954

Butch Avinger, who is retiring from the New York Football Giants, will go to work as an assistant football coach for Red Drew. Another former Tider in the news is James "Bimbo" Melton who has been named as assistant coach at Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery. Melton, a native of Wetumpka, has served as a lieutenant in the Army for the past two years, and last season he played for the Ft. Jackson, S.C. team. Melton lettered for Alabama in 1949-50-51

Quote of the Day

Thu, 14 May 2009 09:03:55 -0500

"Stanford made a mistake scoring first It just made those Alabama boys mad. That first score was just like holding up a picture of Sherman's March to the Sea."

Renowned humorist Will Rogers the 29-13 Bama win in the 1935 Rose bowl.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Thu, 14 May 2009 08:39:27 -0500

May 14, 1961

In discussing the recently-completed spring football drills, Coach Paul Bryant cites a couple of young 'uns who have a chance to do something. Bryant says 185-pound junior guard Jimmy Wilson was "the brightest spot of the spring" and sophomore end Jimmy Dill "was sensational at times." When asked about some of the seniors, Bryant says, "They are supposed to do well."

Quote of the Day

Wed, 13 May 2009 09:54:32 -0500

"I'll never forget going to the Rose Bowl I remember everything about it. We were on the train and Coach Thomas was talking to three coaches and Red Heard the athletic director at LSU. Coach Thomas said, 'Red this is my best football player. This is the best player on my team.' Well, shoot I could have gone right out the top. He was getting me ready. And I was, too. I would have gone out there and killed myself for Alabama that day."

Paul Bryant reminiscing about the 1935 Rose Bowl trip and Coach Thomas.

Quote of the Day

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:57:43 -0500

"There's a young assistant coach over Georgia who played for Knute Rockne at Notre Dame. Rockne says he's one of the best young coaches in the business. I'd recommend you to talk to him about replacing me."

Wallace Wade to Dr. Mike Denny after he announced he was going to Duke in 1930.

Bama Trivia... on this day

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:44:22 -0500

May 13, 1966

Associated Press sports editor Ted Smits and Nashville Banner sports editor Fred Russell attend the annual spring game to present Paul Bryant with the national title trophy for 1965. Also on hand is an ABC film crew to shoot footage of the Crimson Tide for a special on college football which will also include spots on UCLA and Michigan State. In football action, the White team quarterbacked by Wayne Trimble upsets the Red team of Kenny Stabler 17-15.