Hurts, Tagovailoa and Jones named NFL team captains

The University of Alabama’s 2017 quarterback room has been hailed as the most talented in the football program’s storied history.

In the five-year stretch from 2016-2020, which saw either Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa or Mac Jones under center, the Crimson Tide appeared in four national title games, winning two. Each quarterback was considered for the Heisman Trophy during their years as starters for head coach Nick Saban.

After New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced Jones as a team captain for his squad Wednesday, the trio of Tide signal callers have each been named captains of their respected NFL franchises for the 2022 season.

“I think it’s really cool. I have a lot of work to do. I want to become an even better leader, and I think we have great guys around us that make everything better,” Jones said after being named captain for the six-time super bowl-winning franchise.

“I’m going to learn from the older guys like I did when I first got here and continue to do that,” he said. “Hopefully, some of the younger guys can come to me with issues or things they want to get fixed or things they are struggling with, and I’ll be happy to help anyone on our team.”

Tagovailoa last week emerged as the top vote-getter in the Miami Dolphins’ player-led selection process for team captain.

After his teammates expressed their unwavering trust in Tagovailoa, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel had nothing but praise to offer the Hawaiian gunslinger.

“I think it says everything. I think that’s incredibly important when it’s done with the right reasons and the right intent,” said McDaniel, according to ESPN. “The only thing that I gave to the players was, ‘who do you want representing you each and every game, who do you want to wear the C and understand what that C means on your Jersey?’

“I think it speaks volumes on where he’s at with the team and their belief in him.”

When the Philadelphia Eagles named Hurts a team captain late last week, the quarterback expressed his gratitude over the opportunity.

“It means everything. It means everything,” NBC Sports Philadelphia quoted Hurts as saying. “I think just trying to do things the right way for the team and putting the team first and doing everything I can with all my ability to play at a high level for the team, lead in the right direction and set the right example for everybody. I take it in high regard and I give a lot of value to being a captain.”

Along with the Tide’s former quarterback trio, five additional UA alums will now wear “C” on their jerseys for the upcoming season, signaling their status as team captains in the NFL.

Eight former @AlabamaFTBL players will be captains for their teams for the 2022 #NFL season.

Mac Jones – Patriots
Jalen Hurts – Eagles
Tua Tagovailoa – Dolphins
Derrick Henry – Titans
Najee Harris – Steelers
Xavier McKinney – Giants
Jonathan Allen – Commanders
CJ Mosley – Jets

— Brett Greenberg (@BrettGreenberg_) September 8, 2022