Crimson Tide in the NFL Spotlight: Week 1
9/10/2025 12:00:00 PM | Football
Former Alabama players make an impact in Week 1 of the NFL season
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The National Football League concluded Week 1 of the regular season Monday evening. Below is a look at how former Alabama players performed on the gridiron last week.
The Crimson Tide was well-represented in the NFL once again to start the 2025-26 season with 69 total players on rosters (including reserve/practice squads) to lead all college programs. The Tide had 62 former players on an active 53-man roster in Week 1, also the most of any program in college football.
Running back Derrick Henry was in midseason form for the Baltimore Ravens in a thrilling Sunday night affair against the Buffalo Bills. Henry produced 169 yards on the ground on just 18 carries to go with two rushing scores while adding one catch for 13 yards. The 10th-year man led all NFL players in rushing yards during Week 1. Also excelling out of the backfield was Josh Jacobs of the Packers. Jacobs was responsible for 19 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown to go with one reception for four yards, helping Green Bay top the Detroit Lions, 27-13.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, taking the field for the first time since securing Super Bowl LIX Most Valuable Player honors in February, was once again a dynamic threat for the Philadelphia Eagles. Hurts completed 19-of-23 passes for 152 yards while managing 14 rushes for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Hurts' efforts led the Eagles to a 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025-26 season opener.
Kicker Will Reichard was crucial to the Minnesota Vikings storming back to a 27-24 road win over the Chicago Bears. The second-year kicker made both of his field goal attempts in the comeback victory, including a career-long 59-yarder that matched the Soldier Field stadium record. Reichard also split the uprights on his only PAT attempt.
On defense, safety Jordan Battle was vital to the Cincinnati Bengals' 17-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Battle recorded a team-high 12 tackles to go with a pass breakup and one interception, with the pick proving the difference in Cincinnati's road victory. Defensive tackle Daron Payne wreaked havoc for the Washington Commanders, as his four total stops, one sack, one tackle for loss, two pass breakups and one quarterback hurry aided his side to a 21-6 victory over the New York Giants.
Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and linebacker Henry To'oTo'o both stood out for a Houston Texans defense that allowed just 14 points on Sunday. Anderson Jr. managed four total tackles, including three for loss and one sack, to go with two quarterback hurries. To'oTo'o contributed six stops, including one tackle for loss and sack, in addition to one pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams accumulated five tackles, two of which went for a loss, to go with a sack, three quarterback hurries and one forced fumble in his season debut with the New York Jets. At safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick posted nine tackles and a pass breakup to begin his second stint with the Miami Dolphins.
