Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Bryce Young Proves It Pays to Play At Alabama

  • Since 2005, 41 Alabama players have gone in the first round and made a combined $1.3 billion.
  • Alabama’s Bryce Young and Will Anderson were selected in the first three picks of 2023 NFL Draft.
Bryce Young NFL Draft.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday night’s NFL Draft welcomed Bryce Young as the new face of the Carolina Panthers. The former Alabama quarterback went No. 1 overall. 

Young is expected to sign a four-year deal worth $41.2 million, including a $26.9 million signing bonus, according to Spotrac’s projections.

During Young’s college career, the quarterback earned more than a million dollars in NIL deals. Recently, Young has agreed to endorsement deals with Jordan Brand, Snickers, Beats by Dre, and sports drinks BodyArmor and Celsius. 

Bama’s Billions

Young is the latest Crimson Tide first-rounder to prove it pays to play in Tuscaloosa. Since 2005, 41 Alabama players have gone in the first round and have made $1.3 billion in combined career earnings — the most of any school during that period. 

After selecting Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second pick, the Houston Texans traded up to the No. 3 spot to select Alabama linebacker, Will Anderson.

Later in the round, the Detroit Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick, giving the Crimson Tide 44 players selected in the first round since 2005.

In 2021, the Crimson Tide had a record-six players selected in the first round.

Ohio State ranks second with $1.05 billion in career earnings for NFL first-round picks in the same period, followed by LSU at $921 million. 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Patriots to Hold Their Pre-NFL Draft Presser Without Mike Vrabel

New England EVP Eliot Wolf will meet with reporters Monday.

Steelers Waiting on Aaron Rodgers (Again)—With Higher Stakes

The NFL team again waits on a decision from the mercurial veteran.

NFL Annual Meeting to Tackle Rule Changes, Refs, and Media Rights

The league will advance its preparations for next season.
Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; The Philadelphia Eagles execute a tush push for a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field.

NFL Rule Proposals Don’t Include Ban on Tush Push

The oft-debated play will not be reconsidered at the annual league meeting.

Featured Today

blake griffin

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
April 10, 2026

Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall

The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.
April 9, 2026

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.

NHL, Capitals Brace for Life After Ovechkin—and a Huge Void

The Russian superstar has driven extensive business across hockey.
exclusive
April 15, 2026

NWSL Moves to Restrict Which Brands Players Can Wear on the Field

Nike and Adidas have already signed on to the new policy.
April 15, 2026

LIV Golf Shutdown Rumors: What We Know

The league is preparing for its Mexico City event this week.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks at the start of the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
April 14, 2026

Cathy Engelbert’s Gender Remark Sparks Backlash

The WNBA commissioner’s comment has received plenty of reaction.
April 13, 2026

Cathy Engelbert Aggressively Parries Questions About Her Future

“I wonder whether you would ask that of a man.”
April 13, 2026

MLB Sees Longer Games but Higher Attendance Early in ABS Era

The replay enhancement is proving to be a big hit with fans.
Apr 12, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy takes a golf cart to the press building following the green jacket ceremony during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
April 13, 2026

What Happens at Augusta National After the Masters?

The exclusive private club is closed each year between May and October.