Woodrow Lowe, the 2009 NFF College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred as a linebacker at Alabama from 1972-75, has passed away Nov. 6. He was 71.
“Woodrow Lowe was one of the finest linebackers ever to play the game, and we are deeply saddened to learn of his passing,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “A three-time All-American and one of the most decorated linebackers in college football history, he defined excellence at one of the top programs in the country. After his playing days, he dedicated himself to shaping young lives as a coach and mentor, carrying forward the lessons of excellence and dedication that defined his own career. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire Alabama football community.”
The second player in Alabama history to be a three-time First Team All-American (1973, 1974–consensus, 1975), Woodrow Lowe led the Crimson Tide to the 1973 national title. Named the 1973 Churchman’s National Defensive Sophomore of the Year, Lowe set an Alabama single-season record with 134 tackles. That season, the Crimson Tide played in the Sugar Bowl, claiming the national championship.
His junior year, Lowe earned consensus All-America honors and led the Crimson Tide to a third straight SEC title and a berth in the Orange Bowl.
In his final season, the linebacker again earned First Team All-America honors and served as team captain as the Crimson Tide wrapped up their fourth straight SEC title and a trip to the Sugar Bowl.
Alabama went 43-5 during his four seasons in Tuscaloosa, and his 315 career tackles were a school record at the time, still ranking fourth in program history.
Following his senior season, Lowe played in the 1976 Senior Bowl and entered the NFL Draft. Taken in the fifth round by the San Diego Chargers in 1976, Lowe missed only one game in 11 seasons with the Chargers and tallied 21 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns.
After his playing career, he coached at the high school, college, and professional levels before retiring in Collierville, Tenn.
In addition to the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, Lowe was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame, and Senior Bowl Hall of Fame.
Born June 9, 1954, in Columbus, Georgia, Lowe got his start on the gridiron at Phenix City Central High School in Alabama.
