TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama has announced it will officially retire the No. 37 jersey of legendary running back Shaun Alexander, a cornerstone of the Crimson Tide’s football program from 1996 to 1999. The ceremony, scheduled for a future home game this season, will honor Alexander’s immense legacy and his status as one of the greatest players to ever wear the crimson and white. The decision comes after years of fan and alumni calls to recognize his indelible impact on the university’s record books and the landscape of college football.
A Career of Breaking Records and Defying Expectations
A native of Florence, Kentucky, Alexander arrived in Tuscaloosa as a highly touted recruit, but few could have predicted the sheer dominance he would display. He burst onto the scene in 1996, rushing for a freshman single-game record of 291 yards and four touchdowns against arch-rival LSU in Baton Rouge.
That performance remains the single-game rushing record for the program to this day. Throughout his career, Alexander consistently produced historic numbers, finishing with a then-school record of 3,565 career rushing yards and an impressive 41 touchdowns. His rushing touchdown record stood for a decade, and his yardage mark was not surpassed until 2015.
Alexander’s final season in 1999 was a culmination of his talent and leadership. He was named the SEC Player of the Year, earned first-team All-America honors, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, ultimately finishing seventh in the voting. He led the Crimson Tide to the 1999 SEC Championship, cementing his place in Alabama lore. In a signature moment of that title run, he orchestrated a legendary comeback against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to secure a 28-17 victory.
A Legacy that Extends Beyond the Field
Alexander’s contributions to the University of Alabama extend far beyond his on-field performance. His professionalism, character, and dedication to excellence have made him a revered figure.
In recognition of his impact on young athletes, the College Football Freshman Player of the Year Award was renamed the Shaun Alexander Award in his honor. This is a testament to the respect he commands in the sport and his lasting influence on the next generation of players. He was also inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
While Alexander’s No. 37 will be retired, it’s not the only number that holds special significance for him.
He carried the same number during his prolific NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was named the 2005 NFL MVP and became the franchise’s all-time leading rusher. He’s also a member of the Seahawks Ring of Honor and the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
The university’s decision to retire the jersey, a rare honor reserved for the most elite of players, signifies Alexander’s place in the pantheon of Alabama football greats.
He joins a select group of legends whose numbers are officially taken out of circulation, ensuring his legacy is forever preserved and celebrated by fans for generations to come. This move not only recognizes his statistical achievements but also his role as a leader who inspired a new era of success for the Crimson Tide. The ceremony promises to be an emotional and fitting tribute to a true icon of the program.
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