Mark Ingram, one of the most iconic figures in Alabama football history, leads the 2025 class of inductees into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The ceremony, set to take place in Birmingham, will recognize a diverse and talented group of athletes who have made significant contributions to their sports and to the state of Alabama.
Ingram rose to national prominence in 2009 when he became the University of Alabama’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner. His breakout season was a cornerstone in Alabama’s return to dominance under head coach Nick Saban, capped off by a national championship and numerous personal accolades.
After his legendary college career, Ingram entered the NFL as a first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints. Over the course of more than a decade in the league, he earned Pro Bowl honors and became the franchise’s all-time leading rusher. His powerful running style, leadership, and consistency made him a fan favorite in both college and professional football.
Ingram’s induction also marks a milestone for Alabama football, as he becomes the first Nick Saban-era player to be enshrined in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. His legacy is not only defined by statistics and trophies but also by the cultural shift he helped initiate at Alabama, which has since become a dynasty in college football.
Joining Ingram in the 2025 class is Roberta Alison Baumgardner, a trailblazing tennis player who broke gender barriers at the University of Alabama. She was the first woman to compete on a men’s varsity team at the school and helped lay the foundation for women’s collegiate athletics in the South.
Otis Davis, an Olympic gold medalist and track star from Tuscaloosa, also joins the class. Davis made history at the 1960 Rome Olympics by setting a world record in the 400 meters and anchoring the gold medal-winning 4×400 relay. His athletic achievements remain some of the most inspiring in Alabama sports history.
Basketball standout Mike Mitchell, Auburn University’s all-time leading rebounder, is another notable inductee. Mitchell went on to have an impressive career in the NBA, highlighted by an All-Star selection and a reputation as a consistent scoring forward during the 1980s.
Also honored is Keith Butler, a former NFL linebacker and highly respected defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With multiple Super Bowl wins as a coach and a reputation for defensive excellence, Butler represents the strong football tradition in Alabama.
Frank Warren, a dominant defensive lineman who starred at Auburn and spent over a decade with the New Orleans Saints, will also be inducted. His contributions to the game and his longevity in the NFL solidify his place among Alabama’s football greats.
The 2025 class is rounded out by standout baseball player Charles “Butch” Moore and PGA Tour golfer Jason Dufner. Both athletes had storied professional careers and have proudly represented Alabama on the national and international stage.
Together, this group represents the very best of Alabama athletics—past and present. The induction ceremony will not only honor individual achievements but also celebrate the state’s rich and diverse sporting legacy.
