The NFL playoffs are one of the most exciting times of the year for football fans, and the 2024 season is no exception. As the league’s best teams prepare to battle for supremacy, former Alabama football players are once again making their mark on the postseason. Alabama has long been a breeding ground for NFL talent, producing some of the best athletes to ever play the game. From defensive powerhouses to offensive juggernauts, former Crimson Tide players are representing the University of Alabama at the highest level of football.
As we dive into the 2024 NFL playoffs, let’s take a look at some of the former Alabama football players who are making waves and contributing to their respective teams’ success. These players have not only left a legacy in college football but continue to demonstrate their skills on the professional stage.
1. Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans)
Derrick Henry has become one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL over the past several seasons. After an incredible career at Alabama, where he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2015, Henry has taken the NFL by storm. Known for his size, speed, and ability to break tackles, Henry has cemented himself as one of the most feared backs in the league.
As of 2024, Henry remains the focal point of the Tennessee Titans’ offense. Despite some injury concerns in previous seasons, he has bounced back and led the Titans to a playoff berth. Henry’s ability to dominate on the ground, controlling the tempo of games with his physical running style, has been a key factor in Tennessee’s success. Whether he’s running for 100+ yards or bulldozing through defenders, Henry is a player that teams must account for when preparing for the Titans.
Henry’s playoff experience has been invaluable to the Titans, and he will once again be a critical piece of their offense as they enter the 2024 NFL playoffs. His combination of power and speed is rare in today’s NFL, and his leadership on and off the field makes him a player to watch in January.
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, another former Alabama standout, is one of the top safeties in the NFL. After a standout career with the Crimson Tide, Fitzpatrick was drafted by the Miami Dolphins but later traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he has become a star. Known for his ability to read offenses and make crucial interceptions, Fitzpatrick has been the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s defense.
In 2024, Fitzpatrick continues to play at a high level, earning Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors along the way. His ball-hawking skills, combined with his ability to come up in the box and play physical football, make him a versatile defender. His leadership on the back end of the defense is invaluable, especially in high-pressure playoff games.
The Steelers’ defense has often been their strength, and Fitzpatrick is the leader of that unit. As Pittsburgh heads into the 2024 NFL playoffs, Fitzpatrick’s ability to make plays in the secondary could prove to be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit.
3. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Jalen Hurts has undoubtedly been one of the most impressive quarterbacks to come out of Alabama in recent memory. After transferring to Oklahoma for his final year of college, Hurts quickly adapted to the NFL and has become the leader of the Philadelphia Eagles. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and leadership has made him one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
Hurts led the Eagles to a dominant regular-season record in 2024 and is a major reason why they are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground gives the Eagles an offensive dynamic that is tough to stop. Hurts’ poise in high-pressure situations, as well as his work ethic and competitiveness, have made him a leader in the Eagles’ locker room.
As the Eagles enter the 2024 NFL playoffs, Hurts will be a key factor in their quest for a championship. His ability to execute in the clutch, as well as his ability to make plays with his legs, will be crucial for Philadelphia’s success. If Hurts continues to play at a high level, the Eagles will be a tough team to beat in the postseason.
4. Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns)
Amari Cooper is one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, and his time at Alabama laid the foundation for his success. Cooper’s smooth route running, incredible hands, and ability to make plays down the field have made him a consistent threat in the NFL since he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders). After his time in Oakland, Cooper was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he continued to flourish before eventually landing with the Cleveland Browns.
In 2024, Cooper has remained one of the top receiving threats in the league. Despite facing tough defenses, Cooper has consistently put up impressive numbers, helping elevate the play of the Browns’ offense. His chemistry with quarterback Deshaun Watson has been evident, and Cooper’s ability to make big plays in clutch moments has been one of the reasons why Cleveland has made it to the playoffs.
As the Browns enter the postseason, Cooper will be one of the key players to watch. His experience in big games and his ability to make plays on the biggest stage will be crucial for the Browns as they look to make a deep playoff run. With a talented roster around him, Cooper’s leadership and big-play ability could make a difference in the playoff race.
5. Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders)
Josh Jacobs, a powerful and explosive running back, has been one of the top performers in the NFL since he entered the league. After a standout career at Alabama, Jacobs has been the workhorse for the Las Vegas Raiders, providing both the power and speed necessary to excel at the NFL level. In 2024, Jacobs had another strong season, putting up impressive rushing yards and touchdowns.
Jacobs’ ability to break tackles, combined with his vision and patience, makes him one of the most dangerous running backs in the league. In a playoff setting, his ability to control the clock and keep opposing offenses off the field is crucial. Jacobs has been a steady presence for the Raiders, and his running style is a perfect complement to the team’s offense.
As the Raiders prepare for the postseason, Jacobs will be a focal point of their offensive game plan. His performance in the playoffs could play a significant role in how far Las Vegas goes, as Jacobs is capable of taking over a game with his physicality and big-play ability.
6. Quinnen Williams (New York Jets)
Quinnen Williams, a dominant defensive lineman, is another former Alabama player who has made a name for himself in the NFL. After a stellar career at Alabama, Williams was drafted by the New York Jets and has quickly developed into one of the top interior defensive linemen in the league. Known for his explosiveness, strength, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Williams has been a constant force for the Jets.
In 2024, Williams continues to dominate on the defensive line. His ability to collapse the pocket and pressure quarterbacks has been one of the driving forces behind the Jets’ defense. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions along the defensive front, giving the Jets’ defensive coordinator multiple ways to utilize him.
As the Jets head into the playoffs, Williams’ ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and clog up running lanes will be critical. In the high-pressure environment of the postseason, Williams’ play could be the difference-maker for a Jets team looking to make a run at the Super Bowl.
7. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
Tua Tagovailoa has proven himself to be one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL since being drafted by the Miami Dolphins. After a standout career at 
where he led the Crimson Tide to a national championship, Tua has continued to develop into a star in the NFL. Known for his accuracy, quick release, and ability to make plays under pressure, Tua has helped elevate the Dolphins to playoff contention in 2024.
In 2024, Tua’s chemistry with his receiving corps, including star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, has been a major factor in the Dolphins’ success. Tua’s ability to lead Miami’s high-powered offense and execute in clutch moments has made him one of the league’s top quarterbacks. His leadership and poise under pressure have been a major reason why the Dolphins are playoff-bound.
As Miami prepares for the postseason, Tua’s ability to make accurate throws and manage the game will be crucial. With a talented roster around him, Tua’s performance will determine how far the Dolphins can go in the playoffs.
Conclusion
The NFL playoffs are an exciting time for football fans, and former Alabama football players continue to play a significant role in the postseason. From Derrick Henry’s dominance on the ground to Minkah Fitzpatrick’s playmaking ability in the secondary, these former Alabama players are making a lasting impact on the NFL playoff picture.
Jalen Hurts, Amari Cooper, Josh Jacobs, Quinnen Williams, and Tua Tagovailoa are just a few of the many former Alabama stars who are poised to make a difference in the 2024 playoffs. As these players compete for a chance to lift the Lombardi Trophy, their contributions will be key to their respective teams’ success. Alabama football has long been a pipeline to the NFL, and its players continue to represent the Crimson Tide at the highest level of the sport. As the NFL playoffs unfold, fans can expect to see these former Alabama stars shine on the biggest stage.
