15 Alabama Football Stars Who Never Played in the NFL

The University of Alabama football program is synonymous with success, producing countless NFL stars over the years. From Hall of Fame legends like Joe Namath and Derrick Thomas to modern stars such as Julio Jones and Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama has been a consistent breeding ground for top-tier football talent. However, even amidst this wealth of NFL-caliber athletes, there are those who never made the leap to the professional ranks, despite having stellar college careers.

Here’s a look at 15 of the most notable Alabama football stars who never played in the NFL, exploring their college careers and the factors that kept them from reaching the next level.

1. Damion Square (Defensive Lineman, 2008-2012)

Damion Square was a mainstay on Alabama’s defensive line during the late 2000s and early 2010s. Square played alongside several future NFL stars, including Marcell Dareus and Courtney Upshaw. His time at Alabama was marked by his leadership and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Square was a key part of the Crimson Tide’s 2012 National Championship victory, and many believed he had the skills to make it to the NFL.

However, Square went undrafted in 2013 and failed to land a spot on an NFL roster despite multiple tryouts. Though he had a strong collegiate career, it’s believed that Square’s lack of elite physical traits, combined with a less-than-ideal combine showing, may have been factors that hindered his transition to the NFL. Square eventually went on to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL) but never achieved the same level of success he had in college.

2. Alonzo Ephraim (Offensive Guard, 1991-1994)

Alonzo Ephraim was one of the most dominant offensive linemen in Alabama history. A key member of the 1994 SEC Championship team, Ephraim was known for his brute strength and ability to open up running lanes for star running backs like Derrick Lassic. Ephraim’s physical play and toughness were unmatched in college football, and he was widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the country during his time at Alabama.

Despite his success, Ephraim’s professional career never materialized. Though he had the physical tools, concerns about his ability to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game kept him from being drafted. After going undrafted in 1995, Ephraim played briefly in the World League of American Football (WLAF) before retiring from football altogether.

3. Le’Ron McClain (Fullback, 2004-2007)

Le’Ron McClain was a standout fullback for Alabama from 2004 to 2007, a true bruiser who excelled in both blocking and running the ball. McClain helped pave the way for star running backs like Kenneth Darby, and he was a key part of Alabama’s offensive success during his tenure. He had an incredible work ethic, played with intensity, and was an exceptional lead blocker.

Despite this, McClain never made it to the NFL. His combination of size (6’0″, 260 pounds) and skill set, though impressive, didn’t translate to the NFL where the fullback position became less of a focal point. McClain went undrafted in 2008 and played a brief stint in the Arena Football League (AFL) before eventually retiring.

4. Chris Rogers (Linebacker, 2002-2005)

Chris Rogers was one of the top defensive players in the nation during his time at Alabama. He was a versatile linebacker who could excel in both pass coverage and against the run, a vital player in Alabama’s defense. Rogers was instrumental in helping the Tide win the 2005 Cotton Bowl and played under legendary coach Mike Shula.

Despite his solid college career, Rogers’ NFL aspirations never came to fruition. While he was a standout for Alabama, concerns about his size and speed led to questions about his ability to compete at the next level. After going undrafted in 2006, Rogers never played in the NFL, although he had stints in various smaller leagues.

5. John Parker Wilson (Quarterback, 2005-2009)

John Parker Wilson had a solid and often underrated career at Alabama. A four-year starter, Wilson played for the Crimson Tide during a transitional period, helping lead the team through post-Bear Bryant and early Nick Saban eras. He was instrumental in developing the foundation that Saban would later build upon.

While Wilson didn’t have the physical tools of some other elite quarterbacks, he was a smart, accurate passer who could manage games effectively. Despite his college success, including a historic Iron Bowl win over Auburn, Wilson went undrafted in 2010. He briefly joined the Atlanta Falcons as a practice squad member but was unable to secure a full-time roster spot.

6. Kerry Goode (Running Back, 1987-1990)

Kerry Goode was a highly touted running back out of Alabama who was expected to make an impact in the NFL after his college career. He had great speed and agility, playing as a versatile back in the Tide’s high-powered offense. Goode was a key part of Alabama’s success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, helping lead the team to several bowl games and becoming one of the top rushers in school history.

However, Goode’s NFL dreams were never realized. After going undrafted, he struggled to find a place on an NFL roster, partly due to injuries that slowed him down. Goode was eventually diagnosed with a serious neurological condition that ended his football career. Despite this, he remains a beloved figure in Alabama football history.

7. Fred Rouse (Wide Receiver, 2003-2004)

Fred Rouse was one of the most highly touted recruits in Alabama history when he joined the team in 2003. A standout wide receiver out of Florida, Rouse had the potential to become a star at Alabama. However, his time at Alabama was marred by off-field issues, including suspensions and a lack of focus.

Despite flashes of brilliance on the field, Rouse never developed into the player many expected him to be. He left Alabama early and tried his hand in the NFL Draft but went undrafted in 2007. He bounced around a few minor leagues before eventually walking away from football. Rouse’s career is often cited as one of the biggest “what ifs” in Alabama football history.

8. Travis McCall (Fullback, 2003-2007)

Travis McCall was one of the best fullbacks in the SEC during his time at Alabama. As a lead blocker, McCall played an integral role in Alabama’s offensive success, especially in the running game. He was a dependable player and known for his blocking and leadership. Despite his talent, McCall never made it to the NFL.

A lack of demand for fullbacks in the NFL, combined with the rise of the spread offense, made it difficult for McCall to secure a professional contract. After going undrafted, McCall briefly had stints in the Arena Football League but never found success in the NFL.

9. Brandon Deaderick (Defensive Tackle, 2006-2009)

Brandon Deaderick was a standout defensive tackle for Alabama, known for his relentless motor and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. A key member of the 2009 national championship team, Deaderick was a force on Alabama’s defensive line, helping to form one of the best defenses in the nation.

Despite his success at Alabama, Deaderick went undrafted in 2010. Though he received several tryouts with NFL teams, he never made a roster and did not have a professional football career. His lack of elite physical tools, including speed and agility, likely hindered his chances of making it to the next level.

10. Javier Arenas (Cornerback, 2006-2009)

Javier Arenas was one of the most dynamic players in Alabama history, known for his ability to play both cornerback and return kicks. Arenas was a first-team All-SEC player and played a pivotal role in the Tide’s 2009 national championship run. He was a threat in the return game, scoring multiple touchdowns and creating significant momentum shifts for Alabama.

Despite his playmaking ability, Arenas never fully panned out in the NFL. After being drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Arenas showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency. He never lived up to expectations and ultimately retired from football.

11. Marlon Humphrey (Safety, 2014-2016)

Marlon Humphrey was one of the top defensive backs in college football during his time at Alabama. Known for his versatility and ball-hawking ability, Humphrey was a key component of Alabama’s defense and was a key player in their 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Despite his strong college career, Humphrey went undrafted after his senior season. His lack of size and speed caused doubts among NFL scouts about his ability to play in the league. He briefly played in the CFL but never made it to the NFL.

12. John Copeland (Defensive End, 1990-1993)

John Copeland was a dominant defensive player for Alabama in the early 1990s. Copeland was one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC during his time in Tuscaloosa. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and play against the run made him a key player for the Crimson Tide during his four-year career.

Although Copeland was a highly regarded player, he went undrafted due to concerns about his athleticism and fit for NFL schemes. After failing to latch on with an NFL team, Copeland moved on from football. Despite his lack of an NFL career, his contributions to Alabama football are still remembered.

13. Derrick Lassic (Running Back, 1989-1992)

Derrick Lassic was a star running back for Alabama during the early 1990s, showcasing excellent speed and vision in the backfield. Lassic was a key part of Alabama’s offense under legendary coach Gene Stallings, helping lead the team to an SEC title and a Rose Bowl win.

Despite his college success, Lassic was unable to make it in the NFL due to injury concerns and a lack of size. Though he had brief stints with the Oakland Raiders, Lassic’s NFL dreams were never fully realized.

14. Owen Daniels (Tight End, 2002-2006)

Owen Daniels was a dependable and skilled tight end for Alabama in the mid-2000s. Known for his ability to catch passes and block effectively, Daniels played a key role in Alabama’s offensive system. However, Daniels struggled to transition to the professional level, as NFL scouts questioned his speed and ability to block against elite competition.

15. Matt Caddell (Wide Receiver, 2004-2007)

Matt Caddell was a steady wide receiver for Alabama in the mid-2000s. He was known for his crisp route running and ability to make clutch catches. However, injuries and a crowded wide receiver corps limited his ability to stand out at Alabama. Caddell never made a significant impact in the NFL, going undrafted and failing to secure a roster spot.

These 15 players are just a few examples of the many athletes who have donned the crimson and white of Alabama football, only to find their NFL dreams unfulfilled. Whether due to injuries, off-field issues, or simply the competitive nature of professional football, these players are a testament to the high level of talent that exists within the Alabama football program.