Derrick Henry is 32 years old. In "running back years," that's basically ancient. Most guys at that age are sitting on a broadcast set or chasing toddlers in the backyard. Not Henry. He just finished a 2025 season with nearly 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns. It’s honestly ridiculous. But if you’ve followed alabama running backs nfl careers over the last decade, it’s also kind of expected.
Tuscaloosa isn’t just a college town. It’s a factory. A very specific, high-output factory that produces humans built like Mack trucks who somehow run like gazelles. For years, critics said Saban’s backs were "used up" by the time they hit the pros. They said they had too many carries. Too much wear and tear.
The data says otherwise.
Right now, the NFL is basically an Alabama alumni meeting. You’ve got Josh Jacobs tearing it up in Green Bay, Jahmyr Gibbs redefining "explosive" in Detroit, and the ageless King Henry still stiff-arming defenders into the turf. It’s not just about talent; it's about a specific brand of durability that seems to be baked into the Crimson Tide DNA.
The King and the New Guard
Derrick Henry is the north star for alabama running backs nfl success. Most people thought he’d slow down after leaving Tennessee for Baltimore. Instead, he’s essentially become the final boss of the AFC. Through the 2025 season, he's sitting at over 13,000 career rushing yards. He’s 10th all-time. That’s not just "good for a Bama back." That’s Hall of Fame, first-ballot territory.
But while Henry is the veteran, Jahmyr Gibbs is the future.
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Gibbs is different. He’s not the 240-pound bruiser we’re used to seeing come out of Alabama. In Detroit, he’s been a lightning bolt. In 2025, he put up over 1,200 rushing yards and proved he’s a nightmare in the passing game with 77 catches. He’s the evolution of the position. He shows that Alabama can produce more than just "power" backs; they can produce versatile weapons that fit the modern, space-oriented NFL.
Then you have Josh Jacobs.
Jacobs is a fascinating case. He was almost a "secret" at Alabama because the depth chart was so crowded. Now? He’s one of only a handful of players in league history to hit 6,800 yards and 60 touchdowns in his first six seasons. He joined the Green Bay Packers and immediately became their engine, proving that even when a Bama back "struggles" with efficiency (he averaged about 4 yards a carry in 2025), he’s still going to find the end zone 13 or 15 times.
The "Used Up" Myth vs. Reality
Let's talk about the biggest misconception: the Saban "tread" theory.
The idea was that Alabama backs were run into the ground before they got their first NFL paycheck. People pointed to Trent Richardson as the poster child for this. And yeah, Richardson didn’t work out. Neither did Eddie Lacy after a few stellar years. But look at the guys playing right now.
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- Najee Harris: He’s been a workhorse. While he hit a snag with an Achilles injury in late 2025 with the Chargers, he’s had multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
- Brian Robinson Jr.: After that terrifying shooting incident in D.C., he didn't just return; he became a consistent starter. He's now with San Francisco, providing that gritty, downhill style they love.
- Jerome Ford: People forget he started at Bama before transferring to Cincinnati. He’s been a savior for Cleveland.
The reality is that Alabama’s "committee" approach actually saved these guys. Saban rarely let one back take 300 carries a season. They shared the load. By the time they hit the league, they had the frame of a veteran but the legs of a younger player.
Why the Production Won't Stop
It’s about the recruiting, sure, but it’s also the coaching. Even with the transition away from the Saban era, the standard hasn't shifted. You see players like Justice Haynes and Richard Young waiting in the wings. They’re watching Henry's workout videos. They’re watching Gibbs' highlights.
The NFL knows what it's getting. When a scout sees an Alabama helmet, they see a player who has:
- Played in a pro-style system.
- Handled the pressure of "National Championship or bust" every year.
- Blocked. This is the big one. Alabama RBs can pass protect. That’s why they stay on the field in the NFL.
If you can't block, you don't play for Bama. If you don't play for Bama, you don't get drafted in the first round. It's a simple, brutal cycle.
The Financial Impact
Check the contracts. These guys aren't just playing; they're getting paid. In an era where the "running back doesn't matter" narrative is everywhere, Alabama backs are the exception. Teams are still willing to give them the second contract because they are reliable.
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Jacobs got his bag in Green Bay. Henry got a lucrative deal with the Ravens even in his 30s. Gibbs is going to reset the market in a year or two.
It turns out, being a "safe" pick actually matters when millions of dollars are on the line.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re looking at alabama running backs nfl stats for your fantasy draft or a sportsbook play, here’s the move:
- Look for Volume: Even when their offensive lines are shaky, Bama backs are usually the "bell cows." They get the goal-line touches.
- The "Second Year" Jump: Most Alabama backs, like Gibbs and Najee, see a massive spike in production in year two once they adjust to the speed of the NFL game.
- Value the Vets: Don't bet against Derrick Henry until he actually stops. People have been predicting his "downfall" since 2021. It hasn't happened.
Next time you see a 230-pounder in a Crimson jersey, don't worry about how many carries he's had. Just worry about the guys who have to try and tackle him on Sundays.
The factory is still open.
Watch the injury reports for Najee Harris as he recovers from his Achilles tear; his return in 2026 could be a major value play for teams needing a veteran presence. Keep an eye on Jahmyr Gibbs' receiving targets specifically, as Detroit is increasingly using him as a slot hybrid rather than a traditional tailback.