The Throw That Changed Everything: How One Bold Play Launched an Alabama QB Into Crimson Tide Lore
Before the Glory, There Was This Moment: The Forgotten Pass That Quietly Sparked One of Alabama’s Greatest Quarterback Journeys — And Why It Still Echoes in Tuscaloosa Today
When Alabama fans talk about Crimson Tide legends, names like Joe Namath, Kenny Stabler, and Tua Tagovailoa often dominate the conversation. But in recent years, another name has risen in the pantheon of Alabama greats — Jalen Hurts. And while his story is filled with defining chapters of perseverance, redemption, and championship glory, it all began with a single, daring throw that most fans may have forgotten.
On September 3, 2016, in front of a roaring crowd in Arlington, Texas, a true freshman stepped onto the field under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium. Hurts had just watched Alabama’s offense sputter on its first two possessions. The team needed a spark. What came next was anything but conventional.
On third-and-13, with Alabama trailing USC 3-0 and momentum slipping away, Hurts dropped back and launched a 39-yard touchdown pass to ArDarius Stewart. The ball arced through the air like it belonged in a movie — tight spiral, perfect placement — and landed in the hands of Stewart, who dashed into the end zone untouched. Just like that, the game changed — and so did Hurts’ destiny.
A Freshman Phenom Is Born
That one play wasn’t just a touchdown; it was the birth of a quarterback who would eventually become SEC Offensive Player of the Year, lead Alabama to back-to-back national title games, and leave behind a legacy not defined solely by wins, but by character.
In his debut season, Hurts threw for 2,837 yards, rushed for 954 more, and accounted for 36 total touchdowns. He dazzled fans with poise beyond his years, while also showing an unmatched work ethic that would earn him the respect of Nick Saban — and college football fans nationwide.
“Each series that he played, he got more and more comfortable,” Saban said after the game. “He adds a dimension with his athleticism that’s very effective, and it helped open up the entire offense.”
The Adversity That Defined Him
But Hurts’ story wasn’t all smooth sailing. In the 2018 National Championship, Saban benched him at halftime in favor of then-freshman Tua Tagovailoa — a move that shook the college football world. Many expected Hurts to transfer immediately. He didn’t.
Instead, he stayed, supported his team, and waited for another opportunity — which came during the 2018 SEC Championship. When Tagovailoa went down with an injury, Hurts entered with Alabama trailing and led the team to a thrilling comeback win over Georgia, including a game-winning 15-yard touchdown run.
That game didn’t just seal a championship; it became a masterclass in humility, resilience, and leadership.
From Tuscaloosa to the NFL Spotlight
Hurts eventually transferred to Oklahoma, had a Heisman finalist season, and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. In 2024, he led the Eagles to the Super Bowl and earned MVP honors, becoming a household name across the nation.
And yet, despite his NFL stardom, Hurts remains beloved in Tuscaloosa — not just for what he did, but how he did it. His journey from a 39-yard pass to a place among the all-time greats is a testament to the power of preparation, character, and quiet confidence.
Why That First Throw Still Matters
In Alabama lore, there are plenty of iconic moments — fourth-down stops, last-second field goals, unforgettable title games. But for Jalen Hurts, it all began with a single, gutsy throw on a third down against USC. That pass didn’t just put points on the board; it announced the arrival of a quarterback who would embody everything Nick Saban preaches: discipline, accountability, and competitive excellence.
Today, nearly a decade later, that throw still echoes across Bryant-Denny Stadium, in locker rooms, and on practice fields. Not because of the score it produced — but because of the legend it quietly launched.
