Crimson Chronicles Podcast

Tommy Wilcox quit Alabama football. Then Bear Bryant flew to Louisiana to bring him back—and put him through a test he never forgot.In this Crimson Chronicles highlight interview, Wilcox tells Rick Morton and Tommy Ford why he walked away after a difficult year on Alabama’s scout team, what happened when Bryant sat across from him in a hotel room, and why returning to Tuscaloosa changed his life.Coming back didn’t mean getting a starting job. Wilcox found his name right back on the scout-team quarterback list. What followed became one of his most powerful lessons from Coach Bryant.Wilcox also remembers playing for a national championship against Arkansas in New Orleans, helping win Bryant’s final game in the Liberty Bowl, and serving as a pallbearer at his coach’s funeral—including the pressure of carrying that heavy casket down the church steps.Which story will stay with you: the hotel conversation, the scout-team test, or carrying Coach Bryant? Tell us in the comments.WATCH THE FULL TOMMY WILCOX INTERVIEWBecome a Founding Member for full-length, unedited conversations and early access to new interviews. Hear more from Tommy, including the story behind “Roll Baby Roll” and taking Nick Saban fishing.https://tidehistory.com/founding-memberGET ARCHIVE NOTESVisit TideHistory.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore more Crimson Tide history.https://tidehistory.comOUR PARTNERSUniversity of Alabama National Alumni AssociationAnyone can join. Learn more:https://alumni.ua.eduTidal Towel from WhitWil SportsAdd a Tidal Towel to your game-day gear. Use code CCP at checkout for your discount.https://whitwilsports.comSubscribe to Crimson Chronicles on YouTube, follow us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and help us preserve Alabama sports history—one conversation at a time.Hosted by Rick Morton and Tommy Ford.Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀https://vidiq.com/crimson0:00 A Life-Changing Call from Coach Brown0:55 Laying It All Out in the Hotel Room4:34 Testing My Resolve on the Scout Team10:13 The Devastating News of Retirement13:41 A Funeral Like No Other#AlabamaFootball #BearBryant #TommyWilcox

Alabama football legend Richard Todd reveals how Bear Bryant refused to promise him more passes—then personally intervened to save his NFL future.As a highly recruited high school quarterback, Todd asked Coach Bryant a straightforward question: Would Alabama throw the football more if he signed with the Crimson Tide?After taking a puff from his cigarette, Bryant gave Todd an equally straightforward answer:“Nope.”Todd chose Alabama anyway. He became a starting quarterback, never lost an SEC game and helped the Crimson Tide win three consecutive conference championships. But Alabama’s wishbone offense gave him few opportunities to prove he could throw well enough to play professionally.That was when Coach Bryant stepped in.Todd recalls Bryant taking the telephone, calling the Senior Bowl and ordering him to play in Mobile instead of traveling to the Hula Bowl. Todd threw for approximately 320 yards—and believes that performance rescued his NFL draft prospects.The New York Jets selected Todd sixth overall in the 1976 NFL Draft, where he was asked to follow another Alabama quarterback: Joe Namath.Todd also shares:• Bear Bryant’s unforgettable bowl-trip curfew trap• The private compassion Bryant rarely publicized• Why Alabama’s wishbone overwhelmed opposing defenses• How Joe Namath helped Todd reach the New York Jets• Namath’s advice for surviving the pressure of playing quarterback in New York• Why Todd eventually realized that football fame is fleetingCHAPTERS00:00 Bryant Takes the Telephone00:24 “Will We Throw the Ball More?”02:02 Why Alabama’s Wishbone Worked03:44 Bear Bryant’s Curfew Trap05:33 The Compassion Bryant Kept Private07:08 The Decision That Saved Todd’s NFL Future08:33 Joe Namath Helps Todd Reach the Jets09:46 Following Namath in New York11:13 Namath’s Advice About Praise and Criticism12:10 Football Ends—Life Continues12:59 Quarterback Fame Is Fleeting13:56 Become a Founding MemberBECOME A FOUNDING MEMBERRichard Todd’s complete, unedited interview is available to Crimson Chronicles Founding Members.For $4.99 a month, members receive complete interviews, early access to new episodes, our members-only monthly note, recognition in episode credits and a direct line to suggest future guests.Join at https://tidehistory.com/founding-member.SUPPORT OUR PARTNERSCrimson Chronicles is proud to support the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. You do not have to be an Alabama graduate to join. Learn more at https://alumni.ua.edu.Show your Alabama pride with Tidal Towel, the rally towel created especially for Crimson Tide fans. Visit https://whitwilsports.com and use discount code CCP.Crimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide Sports History.Subscribe on YouTube, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and visit https://tidehistory.com for more firsthand Alabama football history.#BearBryant #AlabamaFootball #RichardTodd

Chris Low reveals the real Nick Saban in this unforgettable Alabama football interview—from breaking Saban’s retirement news to witnessing the private humor, compassion and character fans rarely saw.Low covered all 17 seasons of the Nick Saban Alabama dynasty and developed a level of trust few national reporters enjoyed. In this Crimson Chronicles highlight, he explains what happened when Saban retired, why college football may never see another dynasty like Alabama’s, and what Saban was really like away from the cameras.Chris also recounts watching Saban coach children with the same intensity he brought to stars like Dont’a Hightower and Julio Jones. But the most powerful story involves the unexpected phone call Chris received from Coach Saban on one of the worst days of his life.Become a Crimson Chronicles Founding Member and watch Chris Low’s complete, unedited interview:https://tidehistory.com/founding-memberFounding Members receive:• Complete, unedited interviews—including stories that never make the public cut• Early access to every new episode• A members-only monthly note from Rick and Tommy• Your name in the credits• A direct line to suggest future guestsMembership is four ninety-nine a month and directly supports the recording, editing and preservation of Alabama sports history.CHAPTERS00:00 The Nick Saban Chris Low Will Remember00:40 The Reporter Saban Trusted01:00 Breaking Nick Saban’s Retirement04:08 The End of College Football’s Last Dynasty06:15 The Private Side of Nick Saban08:51 Coaching Children Like Julio Jones12:24 “Put Me on Speaker”14:14 Become a Founding MemberCrimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide Sports History.Visit the home of Crimson Chronicles at https://tidehistory.com.Subscribe for more firsthand stories from the people who made Alabama sports history.#NickSaban #AlabamaFootball #CrimsonTide

Chris Low reveals the real Nick Saban in this unforgettable Alabama football interview—from breaking Saban’s retirement news to witnessing the private humor, compassion and character fans rarely saw.Low covered all 17 seasons of the Nick Saban Alabama dynasty and developed a level of trust few national reporters enjoyed. In this Crimson Chronicles highlight, he explains what happened when Saban retired, why college football may never see another dynasty like Alabama’s, and what Saban was really like away from the cameras.Chris also recounts watching Saban coach children with the same intensity he brought to stars like Dont’a Hightower and Julio Jones. But the most powerful story involves the unexpected phone call Chris received from Coach Saban on one of the worst days of his life.Become a Crimson Chronicles Founding Member and watch Chris Low’s complete, unedited interview:https://tidehistory.com/founding-memberFounding Members receive:• Complete, unedited interviews—including stories that never make the public cut• Early access to every new episode• A members-only monthly note from Rick and Tommy• Your name in the credits• A direct line to suggest future guestsMembership is four ninety-nine a month and directly supports the recording, editing and preservation of Alabama sports history.CHAPTERS00:00 The Nick Saban Chris Low Will Remember00:40 The Reporter Saban Trusted01:00 Breaking Nick Saban’s Retirement04:08 The End of College Football’s Last Dynasty06:15 The Private Side of Nick Saban08:51 Coaching Children Like Julio Jones12:24 “Put Me on Speaker”14:14 Become a Founding MemberCrimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide Sports History.Visit the home of Crimson Chronicles at https://tidehistory.com.Subscribe for more firsthand stories from the people who made Alabama sports history.#NickSaban #AlabamaFootball #CrimsonTide

As a highly recruited high school quarterback, Todd asked Coach Bryant a straightforward question: Would Alabama throw the football more if he signed with the Crimson Tide?After taking a puff from his cigarette, Bryant gave Todd an equally straightforward answer:“Nope.”Todd chose Alabama anyway. He became a starting quarterback, never lost an SEC game and helped the Crimson Tide win three consecutive conference championships. But Alabama’s wishbone offense gave him few opportunities to prove he could throw well enough to play professionally.That was when Coach Bryant stepped in.Todd recalls Bryant taking the telephone, calling the Senior Bowl and ordering him to play in Mobile instead of traveling to the Hula Bowl. Todd threw for approximately 320 yards—and believes that performance rescued his NFL draft prospects.The New York Jets selected Todd sixth overall in the 1976 NFL Draft, where he was asked to follow another Alabama quarterback: Joe Namath.Todd also shares:• Bear Bryant’s unforgettable bowl-trip curfew trap• The private compassion Bryant rarely publicized• Why Alabama’s wishbone overwhelmed opposing defenses• How Joe Namath helped Todd reach the New York Jets• Namath’s advice for surviving the pressure of playing quarterback in New York• Why Todd eventually realized that football fame is fleetingCHAPTERS00:00 Bryant Takes the Telephone00:24 “Will We Throw the Ball More?”02:02 Why Alabama’s Wishbone Worked03:44 Bear Bryant’s Curfew Trap05:33 The Compassion Bryant Kept Private07:08 The Decision That Saved Todd’s NFL Future08:33 Joe Namath Helps Todd Reach the Jets09:46 Following Namath in New York11:13 Namath’s Advice About Praise and Criticism12:10 Football Ends—Life Continues12:59 Quarterback Fame Is Fleeting13:56 Become a Founding MemberBECOME A FOUNDING MEMBERRichard Todd’s complete, unedited interview is available to Crimson Chronicles Founding Members.For $4.99 a month, members receive complete interviews, early access to new episodes, our members-only monthly note, recognition in episode credits and a direct line to suggest future guests.Join at https://tidehistory.com/founding-member.SUPPORT OUR PARTNERSCrimson Chronicles is proud to support the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. You do not have to be an Alabama graduate to join. Learn more at https://alumni.ua.edu.Show your Alabama pride with Tidal Towel, the rally towel created especially for Crimson Tide fans. Visit https://whitwilsports.com and use discount code CCP.Crimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide Sports History.Subscribe on YouTube, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and visit https://tidehistory.com for more firsthand Alabama football history.#BearBryant #AlabamaFootball #RichardTodd

John, Charley, and David Hannah share the remarkable story of Alabama football’s most celebrated family—from their hard-working Sand Mountain upbringing to playing for Bear Bryant and reaching the NFL.John Hannah recalls how childhood teasing pushed him onto a junior-high football field in the fourth grade. Charley reveals the words their father, Herb Hannah, spoke over John before his Hall of Fame career. David’s unforgettable goal-line story shows what happened when he ran onto the field while Coach Bryant was yelling for him to get off.The Hannah brothers also open up about failure, perseverance, family, and the father whose influence mattered even more to them than football. Together, their stories reveal the work ethic and values behind 11 consecutive seasons with a Hannah on the Alabama roster.Become a Crimson Chronicles Founding Member:https://tidehistory.com/founding-memberFounding Members receive early access to every new interview, complete unedited conversations—including stories that never make the public cut—a members-only monthly note from Rick and Tommy, recognition in the episode credits, and a direct opportunity to suggest future guests.Crimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide sports history. Explore more unforgettable Alabama football stories at https://tidehistory.com.Subscribe to Crimson Chronicles and tell us in the comments: Which Hannah Brothers story stood out most to you?CHAPTERS00:00 Al Davis Tries to Trade for John Hannah00:32 “Fatty, Fatty, Two by Four”02:16 Herb Hannah’s Prediction About John04:13 What Their Father Did With His Pain07:00 David Hannah Defies Bear Bryant08:33 Charley Nearly Gets Thrown Off the Team11:15 The Fear That Drove John Hannah12:37 The Hannah Family’s Lasting Legacy13:37 Become a Founding Member#AlabamaFootball #BearBryant #JohnHannah #CrimsonTide #RollTide

Chris Low reveals the real Nick Saban in this unforgettable Alabama football interview—from breaking Saban’s retirement news to witnessing the private humor, compassion and character fans rarely saw.Low covered all 17 seasons of the Nick Saban Alabama dynasty and developed a level of trust few national reporters enjoyed. In this Crimson Chronicles highlight, he explains what happened when Saban retired, why college football may never see another dynasty like Alabama’s, and what Saban was really like away from the cameras.Chris also recounts watching Saban coach children with the same intensity he brought to stars like Dont’a Hightower and Julio Jones. But the most powerful story involves the unexpected phone call Chris received from Coach Saban on one of the worst days of his life.Become a Crimson Chronicles Founding Member and watch Chris Low’s complete, unedited interview:https://tidehistory.com/founding-memberFounding Members receive:• Complete, unedited interviews—including stories that never make the public cut• Early access to every new episode• A members-only monthly note from Rick and Tommy• Your name in the credits• A direct line to suggest future guestsMembership is four ninety-nine a month and directly supports the recording, editing and preservation of Alabama sports history.CHAPTERS00:00 The Nick Saban Chris Low Will Remember00:40 The Reporter Saban Trusted01:00 Breaking Nick Saban’s Retirement04:08 The End of College Football’s Last Dynasty06:15 The Private Side of Nick Saban08:51 Coaching Children Like Julio Jones12:24 “Put Me on Speaker”14:14 Become a Founding MemberCrimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide Sports History.Visit the home of Crimson Chronicles at https://tidehistory.com.Subscribe for more firsthand stories from the people who made Alabama sports history.#NickSaban #AlabamaFootball #CrimsonTide

Before Barrett, Harrison, and Walker Jones helped build Nick Saban’s Alabama dynasty, their father had his own story in crimson—and a deliberate plan for raising three sons who understood that life was about far more than sports.

Rex Jones joins Rick Morton and Tommy Ford for a wide-ranging conversation about Alabama basketball, Bear Bryant, Nick Saban, faith, fatherhood, and the relationships that shape a life.

The son of national championship-winning basketball coach Bill Jones, Rex grew up inside gyms across Alabama. He became a 1,000-point scorer at Bradshaw High School before signing with the Crimson Tide and playing for Wimp Sanderson alongside Ennis Whatley, Bobby Lee Hurt, Mark Farmer, and other Alabama greats.

Rex remembers the day Bear Bryant died and the Alabama basketball team left Tuscaloosa carrying the weight of that loss. Days later, the Crimson Tide walked into Pauley Pavilion and upset No. 1 UCLA—with legendary coach John Wooden sitting directly behind the Alabama bench.

He also reflects on what Sanderson taught him about leadership: build the right staff, put people in positions where they can succeed, and let them use their gifts. Those lessons became part of the foundation Rex and his wife, Leslie, used to raise their family.

Their parenting goal was simple but demanding: teach their children how to make good decisions from the truth of God’s Word. Rex shares the three rules that governed sports in the Jones home—play hard, respect everyone involved, and have fun—and explains why parents must allow their children to fail while they are still close enough to help them learn from it.

The conversation then turns to the remarkable journeys of Barrett, Harrison, and Walker. Rex recounts Barrett’s unlikely development from an awkward third-grader who failed to score all season into one of the nation’s most highly recruited offensive linemen.

He also tells the hilarious story of offering Barrett some fatherly football advice—only to discover he did not understand blocking schemes—and why that became the last time he tried to coach his son from the couch.

Rex takes listeners inside Barrett’s recruitment, from an unexpected Auburn offer and a visit hosted by Tim Tebow to the arrival of Nick Saban at Alabama. During one meeting, Rex asked for only one thing in exchange for Barrett’s commitment: the chance to become the first person to operate the newly installed automatic door in Saban’s office.

While Rex played with the door, Saban “closed the deal” with Leslie.

Years later, Rex watched all three sons wear the Crimson jersey, Barrett and Harrison line up beside one another, and the family collect national championship memories that no trophy or ring could adequately measure.

But Rex is clear that football never defined success in the Jones home. He shares why family worship took priority over youth sports, why his sons led mission trips to Haiti, and how his greatest joy today is watching them raise their own children with the same faith, integrity, and love for one another.

Rex also discusses his work leading the Christian Community Foundation in Memphis and the privilege of helping generous people invest in ministries and organizations that serve others.

This is a funny, moving, and deeply practical conversation about raising sons, defining success, building relationships, and trusting God with the legacy that follows.

Crimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide sports history.

Learn more at tidehistory.com.

Become a Crimson Chronicles Founding Member for $4.99 a month and receive early access to new interviews, complete unedited conversations, members-only updates from Rick and Tommy, recognition in the credits, and the opportunity to suggest future guests:

tidehistory.com/founding-member

Crimson Chronicles is presented by the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. Anyone can join at alumni.ua.edu.

Follow Crimson Chronicles on Spotify so you never miss an episode.

“Don’t come back if you don’t succeed.”

Those were the words Peter Kim’s mother gave him when he surrendered his scholarship at Hawaii and left home to walk on at Alabama. With six kickers competing for one position and nowhere else to go, Kim knew he had to find a way to make it.

In this episode, Kim joins Rick Morton and Tommy Ford to share his remarkable journey from Seoul, South Korea, to becoming one of the most accomplished placekickers in Crimson Tide history—and the man who scored the final point of Paul “Bear” Bryant’s legendary coaching career.

Kim moved from Korea to Hawaii at age 15 in search of a better life and education. He spoke little English and had grown up playing soccer when a high school football coach noticed his kicks sailing over the soccer goal. The coach handed him a football, and Kim’s first attempt became a 40-yard field goal.

After earning a scholarship to the University of Hawaii, Kim faced Nebraska before more than 76,000 fans and decided he wanted to compete at college football’s highest level. The 1979 Sugar Bowl goal-line stand drew him toward Alabama, while the thought of Nebraska winters helped make Tuscaloosa the final choice.

Once he arrived, Kim immediately began booming kicks of more than 60 yards in practice. He knew when he had impressed the coaches—and wisely knew when to stop. Two months later, Bryant awarded the walk-on a scholarship.

Kim takes listeners inside the pressure of kicking for Alabama, from Bryant’s unforgiving six-man competitions to the mental routine required when an entire stadium was waiting on one swing of his leg. He explains why a kicker sometimes has to think, “Don’t score—I want to go in and become the hero.”

He also remembers the field goal that fell inches short against Georgia Tech and how his teammates refused to let him accept the blame alone. Ironically, that loss helped make Alabama’s 1981 Iron Bowl victory Bryant’s record-breaking 315th win.

Kim describes the atmosphere surrounding that historic victory over Auburn, the telephones waiting in the locker room with calls from the White House, and Bryant’s instruction to his players: “Don’t play for me. Play for yourself.”

One year later, Kim helped Alabama defeat Illinois in the 1982 Liberty Bowl. His final extra point became the last point scored during Bryant’s coaching career. Although Alabama won, Kim remembers a locker room filled with heavy hearts as the players realized they had reached the end of an era.

Following football, Kim carried Bryant’s lessons into a remarkable business career. After being released twice by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he returned to Hawaii and helped his family launch Yummy Korean Barbecue. What began with one restaurant grew into seven concepts and one of Hawaii’s leading hospitality companies.

Kim also shares how he passed Bryant’s lessons to another generation, helping undersized and overlooked kickers Reggie Ho and Kenton Chun receive opportunities that changed their lives.

This is an inspiring story about immigration, courage, preparation, perseverance, and the decision to leave everything comfortable behind for one chance to become part of the Crimson Tide.

Crimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide sports history.

Learn more at tidehistory.com.

Become a Crimson Chronicles Founding Member for $4.99 a month and receive early access to new interviews, complete unedited conversations, members-only updates from Rick and Tommy, recognition in the credits, and the opportunity to suggest future guests:

tidehistory.com/founding-member

Crimson Chronicles is presented by the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. Anyone can join at alumni.ua.edu.

Follow Crimson Chronicles on Spotify so you never miss an episode.

“Wingo, get off my field.”

One week before Alabama’s 1977 season opener, Bear Bryant stopped practice and kicked Rich Wingo off the team—in the middle of a warmup drill. What happened next transformed Wingo from a player who was merely getting through practice into one who was “sold out, all in, and committed.”

In this episode, Wingo joins Rick Morton and Tommy Ford to share the remarkable journey that took him from Elkhart, Indiana, to the center of one of the most iconic moments in Alabama football history.

Growing up only 15 miles from Notre Dame, Wingo originally committed to play for the Fighting Irish. Then one February visit to Tuscaloosa—complete with 75-degree weather, a drive down sorority row, and a brief challenge from Coach Bryant—changed his decision and his life.

Wingo recalls the compassion Bryant showed when he was a homesick freshman, the brutal discipline of the Lower Gym, and the day Bryant told him he was too satisfied with being “pretty good.” After being dismissed from the team, Wingo arrived outside Bryant’s office at 5:00 the next morning ready to fight for his place.

He never approached football—or life—the same way again.

Wingo also takes listeners inside Alabama’s legendary goal-line stand against Penn State in the 1979 Sugar Bowl. After missing the final six weeks of his senior season with a severely injured back, he entered the game in the second half and helped stop Penn State on third down. On fourth down, Wingo took on the fullback, allowing Barry Krauss to make the tackle that preserved Alabama’s 14–7 victory and the 1978 national championship.

The stories continue with an unforgettable NFL Draft Day misunderstanding, when Wingo thought his teammates were impersonating Green Bay coach Bart Starr and hung up the telephone. Years later, Starr revealed that Bryant had personally called the Packers—and three other NFL teams—to ask them to give Wingo an opportunity.

Wingo discusses his seven seasons in Green Bay, the injury that ended his career, and the emptiness he experienced while seemingly living his childhood dream. He shares how God used a teammate, a visiting speaker, and an empty Packers locker room to bring him to genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

He also reflects on returning to Alabama as Bill Curry’s strength coach, pushing future Crimson Tide stars around Coleman Coliseum, the importance of developing players, and the lessons football taught him about discipline, sacrifice, courage, and leadership.

This is a story about much more than a goal-line stand. It is about the coach who refused to let a player settle, the teammates who paid the price together, and the Savior who changed everything.

Crimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide sports history.

Learn more at tidehistory.com.

Become a Crimson Chronicles Founding Member for $4.99 a month and receive early access to new interviews, complete unedited conversations, members-only updates from Rick and Tommy, recognition in the credits, and the opportunity to suggest future guests:

tidehistory.com/founding-member

Crimson Chronicles is presented by the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. Anyone can join at alumni.ua.edu.

Follow Crimson Chronicles on Spotify so you never miss an episode.