3 with Alabama football roots among finalists for AP’s NFL awards
Three players with deep Alabama football roots are among the finalists for the 2024 AP NFL Awards, a testament to the strong legacy of talent the University of Alabama continues to produce in the NFL. These players—Derrick Henry, DeVonta Smith, and Mac Jones—have all had remarkable seasons and are now being recognized for their efforts on the national stage.
Derrick Henry: A dominant force in the NFL since entering the league, Derrick Henry, the running back for the Tennessee Titans, is once again among the finalists for the prestigious NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. Known for his rare combination of size, speed, and agility, Henry has consistently delivered game-changing performances throughout his career.
In 2024, Henry continued to build on his legacy as one of the most powerful and dynamic running backs in the league. Despite the Titans’ struggles in the standings, Henry remained the centerpiece of their offense, finishing the season with over 1,400 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns. His ability to carry the load week in and week out, even when opposing defenses know he’s the focal point of the offense, speaks to his unique talent and work ethic. Henry’s ability to wear down defenses and break off long runs has been a hallmark of his career, and once again, he’s in the mix for one of the NFL’s top individual awards.
DeVonta Smith: Another Alabama standout on the finalist list is DeVonta Smith, the wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, who is a finalist for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama, has continued to shine in the NFL after a standout rookie season. In 2024, he took his game to another level, becoming a reliable and explosive target for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Smith’s skill set—sharp route running, incredible hands, and an innate ability to make big plays in clutch moments—helped him establish himself as one of the top young wide receivers in the league. His performance in key games, where he made several spectacular catches and big-yardage plays, further solidified his place as one of the NFL’s rising stars. As a key weapon in the Eagles’ high-powered offense, Smith’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches for defenses has earned him the recognition of being a finalist for the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Mac Jones: The third Alabama football product among the finalists is Mac Jones, the quarterback for the New England Patriots. Jones, who has shown steady progress in his NFL career since being drafted in 2021, is up for the NFL Most Improved Player Award. After an up-and-down sophomore season in 2023, Jones bounced back in 2024 with improved mechanics, decision-making, and overall performance under center.
Jones’ 2024 campaign was marked by his ability to lead the Patriots’ offense with more consistency and poise. He showed growth in his ability to read defenses, make quicker decisions, and execute both in the pocket and on the move. With a more efficient passing game and fewer turnovers, Jones proved he could be a franchise quarterback for New England. His improvement from the previous season caught the eye of many in the NFL, and he is now being recognized for his hard work and development.
The Alabama Football Legacy: The fact that Henry, Smith, and Jones have all been named finalists for major NFL awards highlights Alabama’s ongoing dominance in producing top-tier talent for the professional league. Alabama football’s reputation for producing NFL-ready players continues to solidify itself with each passing year. Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has become a pipeline to the NFL, with countless players transitioning to successful pro careers.
For Henry, Smith, and Jones, making the finals for these prestigious awards represents the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and the development they received at Alabama. Whether it’s Henry’s record-breaking performances, Smith’s explosive skill set, or Jones’ growth as a quarterback, these players’ achievements reflect the high level of competition and coaching they experienced in Tuscaloosa.
As the NFL continues to showcase the talents of these former Alabama standouts, it is clear that the University of Alabama will remain a breeding ground for future stars in the league for years to come.