Press Article: Celebrating Alabama Football’s Legacy: The Impact of Barrett Jones
As Alabama football approaches the 2025 season, Creg Stephenson is highlighting significant numbers from the program’s rich history in the lead-up to the 100th anniversary of its first national championship. Today’s focus is No. 65, a number synonymous with standout player Barrett Jones from the 2008 signing class.
Jones, an offensive lineman from Evangelical Christian High School in Memphis, emerged not just as a key player but arguably the most decorated athlete from his prestigious class, which also included Heisman winner Mark Ingram and NFL stars Julio Jones and Dont’a Hightower. Redshirting his freshman year, Jones made an indelible mark on the team, starting in three national championship games across three different positions by the time he graduated in 2012 with a remarkable 4.0 GPA in accounting.
His father, Rex, played basketball at Alabama, creating deep family ties to the school. According to head coach Nick Saban, Jones’s intelligence and quickness, combined with his leadership skills, made him invaluable. Jones’s collegiate accolades include being a unanimous All-American, winning the Outland Trophy, and receiving the prestigious Campbell Trophy—the academic equivalent of the Heisman.
Despite a serious foot injury in his final season, Jones entered the NFL draft but faced setbacks, playing only two seasons in total. After retiring, he transitioned to a role as a college football analyst with ESPN Radio, where his contributions continue to resonate.
Saban praised Jones’s character, declaring him one of the finest individuals he had ever coached. As we honor Jones’s legacy, the countdown to kickoff reminds us of the profound impact Alabama football players have beyond the field. Stay tuned for more highlights, including an exploration of another iconic moment in Alabama history on Monday.
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