AL.com sports reporter Creg Stephenson has been named the Alabama sportswriter of the year by the National Sports Media Association.

Stephenson covers the state of Alabama’s G5 programs (South Alabama, Troy, Jacksonville State), does general assignment reporting and writes historical features on Southeastern Conference programs.

His work in 2023 includes a four-part series on the National Football League and its past flirtations with the city of Birmingham as well as a unique story on how officials at the 2013 Alabama-Auburn game viewed the now famous Kick Six play. He also chronicled the legend of former Alabama standout Johnny Mack Brown, who became a Western movie icon.

“Creg is beyond worthy of this honor,” AL.com sports editor Andrew Hammond said. “In 11 months of being on the staff here, I have come away more knowledgeable — not only about him — but the rich history of the sport in the state of Alabama. I could listen to the stories and wealth of knowledge he brings to our staff for hours on end. I am glad to know him as a colleague and a friend.”

Stephenson is a native of Pascagoula, Miss., and graduate of East Central High (1991) and the University of Alabama (1996). He also earned a masters in journalism from Alabama in 2003.

The 30-year veteran of journalism has worked with the Alabama Media Group since 2010 and with AL.com since 2014. He is a past president of the Alabama Sports Writers Association and one of the 50 Legends of the ASWA.

He also is a two-time winner of the ASWA’s Herby Kirby Award, given annually for the best story of the year. Stephenson and his wife, Cristina, have one daughter, Callie (5). They live in Irvington, Ala.

Stephenson is the seventh different AL.com writer since 2013 to win the NSMA award for Alabama sports writer of the year.

Chris Stewart of the Crimson Tide Sports Network was named Alabama Broadcaster of the Year. It with the sixth time Stewart has won the award.