The Philadelphia Eagles’ journey to Super Bowl LIX has been marked by standout performances from a unique group of players tied by one common thread: their roots in the Alabama Crimson Tide. Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Tyler Steen, and Eli Ricks are more than just exceptional athletes—they represent a culture of excellence forged in Tuscaloosa. But as much as their dominance has fueled the Eagles’ success, their journey has stirred a divisive conversation: Does Alabama produce the best NFL talent, or do its players benefit from a hype machine built on reputation?
Jalen Hurts: The Leader Alabama Didn’t Fully Embrace
Jalen Hurts’ rise has been one of resilience and reinvention. While his Alabama career ended in a backup role to Tua Tagovailoa, Hurts has since silenced critics with his MVP-caliber performances in the NFL. This season, Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities have been on full display, with over 4,500 total yards and 35 touchdowns. Yet, his critics argue that his success comes from the Eagles’ dominant offensive line and stacked skill positions, not his individual brilliance.
Still, Hurts’ leadership and ability to thrive under pressure were evident long before Philadelphia. His redemption arc—from being benched in the 2018 National Championship to becoming an undeniable force in the NFL—proves that Alabama’s loss was the Eagles’ gain.
DeVonta Smith: Slim Reaper or Overhyped Star?
DeVonta Smith’s Heisman Trophy-winning season at Alabama was unforgettable, but his transition to the NFL has sparked debate. This season, Smith shattered personal records, posting over 1,200 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the league’s premier wideouts.
Yet detractors claim Smith’s success is inflated by Hurts’ ability to extend plays and draw attention away from him with his legs. Is Smith truly a transcendent talent, or is he a beneficiary of an offensive scheme that thrives on mismatches?
Landon Dickerson: The Anchor with a History of Risk
Landon Dickerson has been a key cog in Philadelphia’s dominant offensive line, but his rise comes with its share of controversy. Plagued by injuries at Alabama, Dickerson’s durability was a significant question mark entering the NFL. This season, he answered doubters by playing every snap in the postseason and solidifying himself as a Pro Bowl-caliber guard.
However, some argue that Dickerson’s physicality borders on recklessness, with multiple penalties to his name. While his gritty playstyle makes him a fan favorite, it also raises questions about sustainability.
Tyler Steen: The Unsung Hero
Tyler Steen has quietly emerged as one of the Eagles’ most versatile linemen, filling in where needed and ensuring the team’s high-octane offense stays afloat. A transfer from Vanderbilt to Alabama, Steen wasn’t as highly touted as some of his counterparts. Yet, his work ethic and adaptability have made him indispensable.
Still, skeptics question whether Steen’s value lies more in being a “jack of all trades” rather than a master of one. Can he sustain his impact in the long term, or is he destined for a role-player ceiling?
Eli Ricks: Redemption in the Secondary
Eli Ricks’ path to the NFL has been one of unfulfilled potential finally meeting opportunity. After an uneven college career marred by injuries and inconsistency, Ricks has been a revelation in the Eagles’ secondary this postseason. His ability to shut down top receivers has drawn praise, but critics argue that he’s benefitting from playing alongside one of the NFL’s most talented defensive fronts.
The Alabama Debate: Development vs. System
The success of Hurts, Smith, Dickerson, Steen, and Ricks on football’s biggest stage fuels the debate about Alabama’s NFL pipeline. Are these players thriving because of the foundation laid in Tuscaloosa, or do they succeed despite it? Some argue that Alabama’s system hides flaws that only reveal themselves at the professional level, while others believe Nick Saban’s program produces players built for the NFL spotlight.
As the Eagles prepare for Super Bowl LIX, one thing is certain: the Alabama connection is impossible to ignore. Love them or hate them, these five players have redefined what it means to dominate on the game’s biggest stage. Whether their success is a testament to their individual talent or the system they came from will remain a topic of heated debate for years to come.