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ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE's NICKNAME STORY
College football fans from coast to coast are aware of the Crimson Tide’s legendary status as
one of game’s elite programs through the years. But if you were to ask the average fan what
exactly the Crimson Tide is or what it stands for, the varied replies might be endless. The
question is even debated among Alabama historians.
The origins of the Crimson Tide first developed with Alabama’s first football teams. Dressed in
crimson attire and described as malnourished, they were known as the Thin Red Line or the
Crimsons.
Two former writers are credited with the name evolution to Crimson Tide. Hugh Roberts, the
sports editor for the Birmingham Age-Herald is said to have first used the nickname when he
described Alabama’s efforts in a muddy 6-6 tie against Auburn in 1907.
During a World War I experience, Zipp Newman noted how the “tide incessantly pounded on the
seashore”; When he returned to cover Alabama Football he made the comparison of how the
team was a “Crimson Tide” that continue to pound on their opponents. It was this 1919
description that many say was the catalyst for the name’s popularity.
ALABAMA GAME DAY TRADITIONS ARE "DREAMY"
While tailgating on the Alabama campus that’s full of Southern charm, fans are provided a great
game day experience as they soak up the sights, sounds and Dreamland ribs. But to get the
most out of an afternoon, it pays to visit one of college football’s best attractions.
On display is more than 100 years of Alabama football history and it can be discovered at the
Bryant Museum. The university landmark features a recreation of the Bear’s office, a bronze
bust of the coach and many other tributes to Bryant and other men who have made a lasting
impression on Alabama football.
The museum is open nearly every day, but its best explored on game days when masses of
Tide fans focus on Alabama tradition. What better way too get pumped up for the Tide’s future,
then too bask in the glorious past?
EVERYONE'S A NUMBER
Even though Bama football helmets don't have a logo, their headgear is easily recognized
throughout the nation. Numbers first appeared on Crimson Tide helmets in 1957 and have
remained there since. Each player's jersey number is represented on his helmet as well. This
tradition was common for many schools in the 50's and 60's, but Alabama is the only major
college program that has resisted the temptation to pull the numbers.
ALABAMA'S FIGHT SONG: “YEA ALABAMA”
Due to Alabama’s national prominence, the song “Yea Alabama” has hit a high note on many
occasions. Played in earnest after an Alabama score, the first two stanzas of the song shed
light on what the Crimson Tide nickname stands for while singling out two traditional opponents.
“Yea, Alabama, drown ‘em Tide!
Ev’ry Bama man’s behind you,
Hit your stride!
Go teach the Bulldogs to behave,
Send those Yellowjackets
to a watery grave.”
ALABAMA'S MASCOT: BIG AL
In the United States there are three basic types of elephants that have been witnessed through
the years. The gray variety is often found a the zoo, while the pink versions have sometimes
appeared after a few stiff drinks. The one known throughout college football circles is the red
elephant that resides in Alabama. He is known as "Big Al" and he is often seen on the sidelines
cheering for the Crimson Tide.
How elephants became associated with Bama football is a story that dates back to their 1930
national championship season. Reportedly writer Everett Strupper started the elephant
stampede after he had refereed the Alabama-Ole Miss game. He wrote an article in the Atlanta
Journal describing the Tide’s dominating size and speed. Stupper’s article exclaimed that the
Bama players had grown to mammoth proportions. When the crimson clad players took the
field, someone in the stands screamed, “Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!”
Alabama ran through their opponents that season. The Crimson Tide outscored their
opponents by a 217-13 margin en route to a 10-0 season
| Alabama's Big Al Keeps the Crimson Tide's Elephant Tradition Going Strong. |
Traditions, Mascot, Nickname & More |
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