The official Alabama Football X account flexed the combined wealth of every former Crimson Tide player who signed a contract in the NFL this past offseason. In total, 24 players signed for $1.175 billion.
The list was updated on Thursday with Patrick Surtain II’s $96 million contract extension with the Denver Broncos which made him the highest-compensated defensive backs in history.
While it was the Nick Saban Era that yielded these results, it’s Kalen DeBoer who will reap the benefits. Being able to show recruits the path to NFL millions will still hit home when those same Crimson Tide players still show pride for their alma mater.
At least some of those pros have enough Bama in them to visit the locker room for the occasional speech.
DeBoer having the No. 1 overall recruiting class gives credence to the idea that Alabama still has name value with one of the sport’s all-time great coaches enjoying retirement on the set of College GameDay – though don’t forget about Saban’s Bryant-Denny Stadium office and off-field role with the team either.
Though Alabama hasn’t won a championship since January 2021, they should be in fine recruiting shape under DeBoer. Especially since he led a team to a College Football Playoff Championship game more recently than the Saban model did.
DeBoer’s 104-12 record at Washington cannot be overlooked, even if it didn’t happen in the SEC.
