“Alabama Glory”: A Triumph of Grit, Legacy, and the Crimson Tide
In a bold and evocative new documentary, Alabama Glory, Netflix delivers an intimate and never-before-seen exploration into the lives of four iconic University of Alabama Heisman Trophy winners: Mark Ingram (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), DeVonta Smith (2020), and Bryce Young (2021). The film weaves a compelling narrative of triumph, pressure, and brotherhood, offering viewers a front-row seat into the Crimson Tide’s legendary legacy.
Opening with the crackle of archival footage and the deafening roar of Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama Glory sets the tone with the moment Mark Ingram Jr. hoisted the Heisman Trophy in 2009, becoming Alabama’s first-ever winner of the prestigious award. Ingram’s segment dives into the high expectations he shouldered as the son of an NFL wide receiver, his battles with self-doubt, and the game-changing performance against South Carolina that sealed his place in Crimson Tide history. Candid interviews with Ingram’s former coaches and teammates—combined with behind-the-scenes locker room footage—reveal a relentless competitor with a heart molded by family and faith.
The baton passes to Derrick Henry, the soft-spoken titan whose punishing running style became folklore in Tuscaloosa. His 2015 season—highlighted by his 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns—is dissected in detail through game analysis and exclusive sideline conversations. Viewers witness the quiet storm of Henry’s discipline, from brutal summer workouts in Yulee, Florida to the deafening chants of “Heisman!” in the SEC Championship. Henry’s story is a study in perseverance and humility, showing a young man whose strength is matched by his gratitude.
DeVonta Smith’s rise is arguably the most poetic chapter. Known as “The Slim Reaper,” Smith shattered records and defenses with elegant precision. His 2020 campaign was unprecedented—117 receptions, 1,856 yards, and 23 touchdowns in just 13 games. The documentary captures his unassuming confidence, his tireless training routines, and a locker room speech before the National Championship that left teammates in tears. Using never-before-seen footage from Smith’s high school and college days, Alabama Glory paints him as an artist with cleats—a graceful outlier in a game of brute force.
The final act focuses on Bryce Young, Alabama’s first quarterback to win the Heisman. The cameras follow Young through his meteoric 2021 season, documenting the intense scrutiny he faced as the successor to legends. Young’s composed leadership, sharp football IQ, and icy performances in clutch moments come to life through game tape breakdowns and voiceovers from NFL scouts. A particularly riveting segment features Young studying film at 3 a.m. the night before the Iron Bowl, revealing his obsession with excellence.
Alabama Glory doesn’t just celebrate athletic prowess; it dives into the cultural, social, and personal weight of wearing the crimson jersey. Through layered storytelling, stunning visuals, and emotional interviews with Nick Saban, families, and teammates, the documentary elevates football to something sacred—a calling. It’s a testament to the spirit of Alabama, where greatness is not given, but earned, one down at a time.
