Alabama Roots: Top 10 in NFL All-Pro selections
Eight players from Alabama high schools and colleges have been first-team All-Pro selections at least four times.
How big a deal is that?
Seven of the players are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame with former Auburn High School and Troy standout DeMarcus Ware joining as a member of the Class of 2023.
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The exception is wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is still playing. The former West Alabama standout earned first-team All-Pro recognition for the fourth time for his performance in his first season with the Miami Dolphins in 2022.
Of the state’s six other four-or-more-time All-Pros, three earned enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility – split end Don Hutson (Alabama), guard John Hannah (Albertville, Alabama) and offensive tackle Walter Jones (Aliceville).
The rest of the four-time club includes wide receiver Terrell Owens (Benjamin Russell), defensive tackle Buck Buchanan (Parker) and center Dwight Stephenson (Alabama).
Hill was among seven players from Alabama high schools and colleges who were first-team All-Pro selections for the 2022 season.
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (Alabama), Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (Auburn) and running back Josh Jacobs (Alabama), New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (Wenonah, Alabama) and Washington Commanders special-teamer Jeremy Reaves (South Alabama) received All-Pro recognition for the first time.
For Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama), his All-Pro selection in 2022 was his third in four seasons.
The players with Alabama roots who have been first-team All-Pros (NFL or AFL) the most times in their careers include:
1. Don Hutson, Alabama: Eight All-Pro selections
The end was an All-Pro for the Green Bay Packers in 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945. Hutson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
2. John Hannah, Albertville High School, Alabama: Seven All-Pro selections
The guard was an All-Pro for the New England Patriots in 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983 and 1985. Hannah was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
3. Terrell Owens, Benjamin Russell High School: Five All-Pro selections
The wide receiver was an All-Pro for the San Francisco 49ers in 2000, 2001 and 2002, Philadelphia Eagles in 2004 and Dallas Cowboys in 2007. Owens was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
4. Buck Buchanan, A.H. Parker High School: Four All-Pro selections
The defensive tackle was an All-Pro for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969. Buchanan was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
4. Tyreek Hill, West Alabama: Four All-Pro selections
The wide receiver was an All-Pro for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, 2018 and 2020 and the Miami Dolphins in 2022. In 2016, he was selected as a punt returner. In 2018, he filled the flex position. In 2020 and 2022, he made it as a wide receiver.
4. Walter Jones, Aliceville High School: Four All-Pro selections
The offensive tackle was an All-Pro for the Seattle Seahawks in 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2007. Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
4. Dwight Stephenson, Alabama: Four All-Pro selections
The center was an All-Pro for the Miami Dolphins in 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987. Stephenson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
4. DeMarcus Ware, Auburn High School, Troy: Four All-Pro selections
The outside linebacker was an All-Pro for the Dallas Cowboys in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.
9. Willie Anderson, Vigor High School, Auburn: Three All-Pro selections
The offensive tackle was an All-Pro for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
9. Forrest Blue, Auburn: Three All-Pro selections
The center was an All-Pro for the San Francisco 49ers in 1971, 1972 and 1973.
9. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama: Three All-Pro selections
The safety was an All-Pro for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, 2020 and 2022.
9. Frank Gatski, Auburn: Three All-Pro selections
The center was an All-Pro for the Cleveland Browns in 1952, 1953 and 1955. Gatski was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.