Sylvester Croom becomes latest Tide player to be inducted into CFB Hall of Fame

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INDIANAPOLIS — Former Alabama center and assistant coach Sylvester Croom was selected as a member of the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame class, the National Football Foundation announced on Monday afternoon.

An Alabama program legend is now joining the ranks of college football's all-time greats. Croom played center under coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant from 1972-74 and was named All-American for his efforts in the 1974 season. He also won the SEC Blocking Trophy the same season.

After his time as a player, Croom played the 1975 season with the New Orleans Saints before returning to Tuscaloosa to join Bryant's coaching staff. Croom coached at Alabama from 1976-86 under Bryant and Ray Perkins before heading to the NFL.

In 2004, Croom was hired by Mississippi State, becoming the SEC’s first Black head coach. He oversaw the Bulldogs’ program from 2004-08, winning SEC Coach of the Year in 2007.

After spending five seasons with the Bulldogs, Croom returned to finish out his coaching days in the NFL before retiring in 2017.

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