Friday, August 28, 2026
The FOS App Launches September 1 Pre-save on the App Store Today

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

A Conversation with Tennis Star Jess Pegula on WTA Sex Testing & More

0:00

Featured Today

Deshaun Watson Has Done the Impossible: Unite Browns Fans

Watson was named the starter after complaining boos were “personal.”
August 23, 2026

Dan Snyder ‘Invisible’ in NFL Three Years After Commanders Sale

Snyder has had little to no contact with former NFL associates.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Burnley - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2026 Arsenal's Kai Havertz scores their first goal past Burnley's Max Weiss
August 21, 2026

Why the Premier League’s Star-Power Shortage Doesn’t Matter

The world’s richest soccer league doesn’t rely on big stars to dominate.
August 12, 2026

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”

US Open: Serena’s Return, High Prices, and Honey Deuces

The top tennis stars will not do their coordinated media protest in New York.
Aug 23, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the FedExCup Trophy before the third round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament
August 27, 2026

Good Good Golf Fallout Is Talk of Tour Championship

Major questions still remain for the brand and its partners.
August 27, 2026

MLB Players Balk at Owners’ Proposed Free Agency Revamp

Management’s latest proposal took some inspiration from the NFL and NBA.
Sponsored

Kerri Walsh Jennings’s Playbook for the Future of Volleyball

The former gold medalist talks NCAA, the Olympics, & investing in volleyball.
Feb 2, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebackers Byron Young (0) and Jared Verse (8) pose during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
August 27, 2026

TV Ratings Help Explain Why the NFL Killed the Pro Bowl

Average viewership fell by 57% in one year and 70% in four years.
Exclusive
August 27, 2026

Union Head: NBA Players Have ‘Serious Problem’ With NBA Europe

Kelly also said the union is “no fan” of the second apron.
August 26, 2026

NFL Owners Remain Confident About Roger Goodell Extension

The owners did not discuss it Wednesday during their meeting.
August 26, 2026

Jed York Absent From NFL Owners’ Meeting

49ers CEO Al Guido was the team’s primary representative.