In a gripping clash against the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots defensive end Christian Barmore took to the field for his 2024 NFL debut on Sunday, contributing a total of 21 snaps in the team’s narrow 28-22 defeat.
Demonstrating resilience after a significant health scare, Barmore finished the game with three tackles, marking an impressive return to action after being hospitalized earlier in training camp due to serious blood clots.
His return not only signifies a personal victory but also places Barmore among an impressive roster of 70 Alabama alumni involved in the NFL during the 2024 regular season, a feat that highlights Alabama’s continued dominance in producing professional talent.
With Alabama reaching the milestone of 70 former players active in the league, the question arises: will they surpass their record of 72 set in 2023? Achieving this would mark eight consecutive seasons of growth in their representation within the NFL.
Through the first 11 weeks of the 2024 season, Alabama stands alone at the top, as no other college program has matched or exceeded its remarkable player participation level; Ohio State follows closely behind with 63 alumni and Georgia with 60.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Keilan Robinson, who played for Alabama in the 2019 season, has been awaiting his NFL debut after recovering from an injury sustained during training camp, providing further potential for Alabama’s representation this season.
The players who have appeared in NFL regular-season games in 2024 who played at Alabama include:
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry.
New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith.
New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Atlanta Falcons running back Jase McClellan.
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
What does Christian Barmore’s recent performance tell us about his recovery and the support system he has as an Alabama alumnus in the NFL?
**Interview with Sports Analyst Jamie Morgan on Alabama’s Dominance in the NFL & Christian Barmore’s Return**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jamie. Let’s dive into some recent developments in the NFL, specifically focusing on Alabama alumni. First off, can you tell us about Christian Barmore’s recent performance after his health scare?
**Jamie Morgan:** Absolutely! Christian Barmore made a significant impact on his return to the field in the New England Patriots’ matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the Patriots losing 28-22, Barmore managed to log 21 snaps and recorded three tackles, which is quite impressive given his recent hospitalization due to serious blood clots. His resilience is commendable and his performance is a testament to his determination and skill.
**Interviewer:** It must be a huge personal victory for him. How does his return fit into the larger picture of Alabama players in the NFL?
**Jamie Morgan:** Indeed, his comeback is both a personal milestone and part of a larger narrative. Barmore’s return adds to an impressive roster of 70 Alabama alumni actively playing in the NFL this season. This statistic underscores Alabama’s prowess in developing top-tier football talent; they lead all college programs in player representation. With Ohio State and Georgia trailing at 63 and 60 alumni, respectively, it really highlights the legacy that Alabama’s football program has cultivated over the years.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of records, there’s speculation about Alabama potentially surpassing their previous peak of 72 NFL alumni this year. What are your thoughts on that?
**Jamie Morgan:** It’s definitely a possibility! Given the strong pipeline they have, continuing to develop players who not only enter the league but also make significant impacts, it’s reasonable to think they could see growth beyond last year’s record. This would mark eight straight seasons of rising representation, which is quite remarkable for any college program.
**Interviewer:** We also have to mention Jacksonville Jaguars’ Keilan Robinson, who’s been recovering and waiting for his debut. What does his situation signify for Alabama’s presence in the league?
**Jamie Morgan:** Robinson’s situation exemplifies the depth of talent that Alabama continues to produce. His potential NFL debut could add another layer to Alabama’s already impressive player count. If he can return healthy and make an impact, it would further solidify Alabama’s standing as a dominant program in producing professional players, which could also help them inch closer to that record of 72.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like Alabama football is in a strong position moving forward. Thanks for your insights, Jamie!
**Jamie Morgan:** My pleasure! It’s always exciting to discuss the impact of college football programs on the NFL landscape, especially with such a storied program like Alabama. Looking forward to seeing how this season unfolds.
