The University of Alabama has long been known as a powerhouse in college football, churning out first-round NFL Draft picks with machine-like precision. Names like Julio Jones, Derrick Henry, and Minkah Fitzpatrick instantly come to mind when talking about Alabama’s impact on the professional level. However, beyond the headlines and draft night fanfare lies a less-heralded group of Crimson Tide alumni—those who weren’t drafted at all but still carved out remarkable NFL careers. These undrafted Alabama players defied the odds, outworked expectations, and became indispensable contributors in the league.
One of the most notable examples is Wesley Britt, an offensive tackle who, after going undrafted in 2005, found a place with the New England Patriots and later contributed meaningfully with the Denver Broncos. While he didn’t make Pro Bowls or dominate headlines, Britt’s resilience and steady presence on the offensive line embodied the “next man up” mentality, proving that value isn’t always found in a player’s draft slot.
Another Crimson Tide standout who beat the odds is Levi Wallace, a cornerback who began his Alabama career as a walk-on. Wallace wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, and after going undrafted in 2018, signed with the Buffalo Bills. He not only made the team but became a starting cornerback in his rookie season, holding his own against elite receivers and helping lead a Bills defense that became one of the league’s best. Wallace’s story is one of quiet determination, highlighting the importance of preparation and perseverance over hype and pedigree.
Damion Square is yet another example. A defensive lineman who went undrafted in 2013, Square bounced around practice squads before finding a stable role with the Los Angeles Chargers. Over multiple seasons, he became a reliable rotational player, providing depth and veteran leadership. His journey exemplifies the grit it takes to stay in the league, especially when you enter it without the benefit of a draft pedigree.
What makes the success of these undrafted Alabama players even more striking is the contrast to their environment. At Alabama, players are surrounded by elite talent and often overshadowed unless they are destined to be top picks. For those like Wallace and Square, who didn’t have the early spotlight, their development and eventual emergence in the NFL speak volumes about their internal drive and the preparation instilled by Alabama’s rigorous program under Nick Saban.
These stories matter because they challenge the common narrative that success in the NFL is reserved for early-round draft picks. The undrafted legends from Alabama prove that heart, discipline, and opportunity can outweigh initial projections. They serve as reminders that the path to greatness isn’t always paved with accolades—it’s often forged in silence, away from the cameras, through hard work and belief.
In a sport that idolizes stars, these Crimson Tide underdogs have proven that being overlooked isn’t the end of the story—it can be the beginning of a legacy.
