Wednesday, September 16, 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

May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks during a news conference at the team’s Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.

Mendoza Signs $57M Contract While Pavia’s Path Uncertain

The No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft finally signed his rookie contract.

NFL Slams Door on Brendan Sorsby’s Supplemental Draft Bid

The league told him to prepare to enter the 2027 NFL Draft instead.
Brendan Sorsby runs with the ball during the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Sorsby Brings Unprecedented Intrigue to NFL Supplemental Draft

No players other than Sorsby have entered the supplemental draft.

NFL Sets Another Super Bowl Without Dates As Schedule Questions Loom

The home markets of the Titans and Vikings each landed a big event.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/15/26 – NFL Kickoff Ratings Dip, Ballmer Accepts Punishment, Sweeney Ad Backlash

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”

Networks Get Mixed Results With Week 1 NFL Viewership

CBS sees some viewership attrition, while NBC rebounded on Sunday night.
September 15, 2026

PGA’s 2028 Changes Include Money Exemption—but No LIV Pathway

The top 50 members on the Tour’s career money list are eligible.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver during the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
September 15, 2026

Adam Silver: It Would Be a ‘Failure’ If Trail Blazers Left Portland

Silver spoke after the NBA Board of Governors meetings in New York.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Jan 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Ryan Leonard (9) gets set during a face off in the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena
September 15, 2026

NHL’s Eleventh-Hour Scramble to Lock In 8-Year Deals

Teams are pushing to sign players to max-length contracts before terms drop.
September 15, 2026

Gotham FC Co-Owner Supports Both ‘Rodman Rule’ and Salary Cap

Carolyn Tisch Blodgett emphasized the importance of star power and parity.
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., July 7, 2026.
September 14, 2026

Clippers Controversy Hangs Over NBA Board of Governors Meeting

Adam Silver is expected to hold a press conference Tuesday.
September 14, 2026

NFL Kickoff Ratings Dip on Wednesday

Viewership surprisingly fell for the NFL’s season opener.