The Crimson Tide

Welcome to the University of Alabama, home of one of the most storied college football programs in history, the Crimson Tide! How did this iconic name come to be?

​

A Soggy Day in 1907

In the early days of UA's football program, the team was known by various names, including the Thin Red Line or the Crimson White. However, it was a fateful day in 1907 that forever changed Alabama football lore.

As the story goes, Alabama traveled to Birmingham to face their arch-rivals, the favored Auburn Tigers. The rainy weather that day was less than favorable, with Birmingham's iron-rich soil transforming the field into a quagmire of red mud and Alabama was outfitted in their traditional white jerseys.

​

The Birth of a Legend

Despite the challenging conditions, Alabama's team displayed grit and determination, battling Auburn to a hard-fought 6-6 tie. It was in the aftermath of this grueling contest that the name "Crimson Tide" was born.

Hugh Roberts, a sports editor for the Birmingham Age-Herald, captured the essence of Alabama's performance with a now-famous phrase: "the team played like a Crimson Tide." This vivid description, inspired by the sea of red mud on the field, resonated deeply with fans and players alike.

​

A Name for the Ages

From that moment on, the name "Crimson Tide" became synonymous with the University of Alabama's football program. It encapsulated the resilience, tenacity, and unyielding spirit of the team, serving as a rallying cry for generations of fans.

Over the years, the Crimson Tide has risen to unparalleled heights of success, claiming numerous national championships and cementing its status as a college football powerhouse. Yet, through it all, the spirit of the Crimson Tide remains unchanged, rooted in the indomitable will of those who proudly wear the crimson and white.

​

A Legacy Continues

So as the Crimson Tide takes to the field, we stand united in our support, knowing that we are part of a tradition unlike any other in college football history. Roll Tide!