The NFL Draft is just around the corner, kicking off its 91st edition in 25 days. On April 23, the first 32 of 257 selections will be made, setting the stage for the league's next generation of talent.
The history of the 25th overall pick in the draft is rich, especially for those with ties to Alabama. Six players from Alabama high schools and colleges have been chosen at this spot, with two of them facing off in the unforgettable Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015.
This game is etched in memory not just for Malcolm Butler's heroics, but also for Dont’a Hightower's pivotal role. Before Butler's iconic interception, Hightower made a crucial tackle on Seattle's Marshawn Lynch at the 1-yard line, all while battling a torn labrum. This set the stage for Butler's game-sealing play, preserving a 28-24 victory for the Patriots.
Hightower, drafted by New England as the 25th pick in 2012, earned the nickname “Mr. February” from coach Bill Belichick for his clutch performances.
In Super Bowl LI, Hightower's strip-sack of Atlanta's Matt Ryan was a turning point in the Patriots' historic comeback from a 28-3 deficit, leading to a 34-28 overtime win. He continued his Super Bowl prowess in LIII with two sacks and a pass breakup in a 13-3 win over the Rams.
Hightower's career, which concluded in 2021, included three Super Bowl titles and two Pro Bowl selections. His fellow Alabama alum, James Carpenter, also had a notable career. Drafted by Seattle in 2011, Carpenter played left guard in their dominant 43-8 win over Denver in Super Bowl XLVIII, and faced Hightower's Patriots the following year.
Carpenter and Hightower shared the field at Alabama in 2009 and 2010, and both left significant marks in the NFL. Carpenter ranks eighth in regular-season starts among No. 25 picks with 122, while Hightower is 11th with 114.
Other notable 25th picks from Alabama include Fred Davis, who won NFL championships with the Redskins and Bears, and Reese McCall, a tight end for the Baltimore Colts. Emanuel King, drafted by the Bengals, had a promising start derailed by a suspension but still played in Super Bowl XXIII. Jason Campbell, a quarterback from Auburn, had a solid career with Washington and Oakland.
This year's 25th pick belongs to the Chicago Bears, as the draft unfolds in Pittsburgh from April 23-25. Fans and teams alike are eager to see which new talents will emerge and make their mark on the league's storied history.