Brodie Croyle talks about his time at Bama and boys/girls ranch

[AUDub]

I had the pleasure of meeting him a few months ago at a daddy-daughter dinner at Trussville First Baptist. Really down to earth guy, excellent inspirational speaker and I love the work he's doing now.

 

[cooleddie]

Glad to see he is doing well. Some of the memories that come rushing back: being at Bryant-Denny with my son & witnessing "The Catch" to Prothro against So Miss, seeing some fan in the stadium that thought he had the word, "CROYLE" shaved into the back of his head, but apparently someone played a joke and it was misspelled as, "COYLE" (we still laugh about that ) and the sinking feeling I got when he went down with a torn ACL against Western Carolina. We had to listen to that game on the car radio because Hurricane Ivan had just hit a few days prior and we were without power. Oh, and the long bomb to Prothro on the first play from scrimmage against the Gators in 2005. What a game!

 

[TideEngineer08]

I really can't understand why there would be a need to explain why Brodie Croyle is special to Alabama fans.

There were many more, than just Brodie, that were special to me from that era. Ken Darby. Tyrone Prothro. Roman Harper. DeMeco Ryans. Mark Anderson. Some of these guys never played a down in the NFL, some are still doing it. But they all had one thing in common, they chose Alabama when it wasn't popular to do so, and they made a great impact while they were there.

Anyone who watched what Croyle did against Urban Meyer's Florida team in 2005 and then questions why he is special to Tide fans surely wasn't paying attention.

I know he didn't play for great coaches. I know he wasn't a weight room warrior, and all that stuff. But that was going to be a crappy era of Alabama football, and he and all those other guys made it a lot less crappy than it probably should have been.

 

[TideMan09]

I've come to believe that other people loved football for Brodie more than Brodie loved football for himself. It simply wasn't a passion for him and that was evident in his preparation outside the white lines on Saturday's. It very well could be Brodie felt pressured to play football (and play at Alabama specifically) because of his Dad. Happens all the time to kids with famous father's. Other people put their expectations, dreams and passions on them and that may not be the kid's. I think this may have been the case with Brodie.

Great point & agree 100%..I'm happy for Brodie for finding his place that makes him the happiest..That's what we all strive for in life..Helping kids in needs is to the most important job of our specie.. We have to prioritize our kids.. Without them humanity has no future..

 

[Matt0424]

I typed up a long response, but it vanished...so to summarize.

He played nearly all of 2003 with a separated shoulder and two cracked ribs.

He led the nation in passing efficiency until he hurt his knee in 2004. We could have won 10 games that year.

He had a streak of 190 passes without an INT in 05, on his way to 10 wins as starter.

All of this while choosing to stay at home and play over offers from every major program in the nation.

If someone doesn't see what he meant to the program, they never will.

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[TideEngineer08]

I mean, for crying out loud. He produced one of Uncle Verne's most memorable quotes. "There are few truths in an uncertain world, but here's one: This ain't Kentucky."

 

[Bamabuzzard]

That is an absolute jewel by Uncle Verne.

I mean, for crying out loud. He produced one of Uncle Verne's most memorable quotes. "There are few truths in an uncertain world, but here's one: This ain't Kentucky."

 

[tideindc]

I think if Brodie had played under Coach Saban, he would have won a national title or two. AJ is the most accomplished Bama qb in the past 40 years, but with his lack of mobility, he would've been killed standing behind those Shula offensive lines.

 

[crimsonaudio]

When you take away the 2005 wins over Florida and Tennessee (which the NCAA did), what did the guy ever do that was noteworthy? I wish him well in his current endeavors because he's now truly helping other people but I've never understood the cultish fascination that some of our fans seem to have with Mr Croyle and his time as a player in our program--much like some do with Mike Shula. Frankly I was glad when JPW took over and we got Saban.

*stares at screen, shakes head*

 

[dvil doc]

Brodie's dad and I, and Danny Ford went to the same high school. I'm the least famous but anyway, have followed the great work of Big John and Brodie at the Big Oak Ranch. Without looking this up, so from my fogged memory, Brodie held a few Alabama HS passing records going into his senior year which he had to sit out due to his first torn ACL. Being a victim of six knee surgeries myself, I cringe when I see a player take a hit to the knees.

Young Brodie was not gifted with a body sturdy enough to withstand the violence of tackle football. He though has a strong heart and spirit for helping others. As with most people who yack about these matters, I've never taken a snap or defended a play beyond high school. Brodie has played at the highest level and is now doing greater things.

Hand Salute Brodie Croyle

 

[deliveryman35]

I see that I ruffled a lot of feathers with my earlier remarks. I guess my negative words about how I viewed Brodie as a football player were better left unsaid here in this thread. I apologize if I offended anyone.

I live and do business in the Gadsden area and have dealt directly with the Croyles and the ranch, having even been out there several times. From a strictly personal standpoint, I have nothing but respect for all of them including Brodie--I'm especially fond of his dad. The work that they do is outstanding and I commend them for it. I simply have a different view than most on here I guess when it comes to evaluating his overall playing career and I'll leave it at that.

 

[TideMan09]

I see that I ruffled a lot of feathers with my earlier remarks. I guess my negative words about how I viewed Brodie as a football player were better left unsaid here in this thread. I apologize if I offended anyone.

I live and do business in the Gadsden area and have dealt directly with the Croyles and the ranch, having even been out there several times. From a strictly personal standpoint, I have nothing but respect for all of them including Brodie--I'm especially fond of his dad. The work that they do is outstanding and I commend them for it. I simply have a different view than most on here I guess when it comes to evaluating his overall playing career and I'll leave it at that.

Right or wrong we're all entitled to our opinins no matter how unpopular it may be..

Many of us would have loved to seen what could've been for Brodie, had he been surrounded by the talent Coach Saban has brought to Bama, I do think Brodie would've left with a NC Ring or two, I honestly felt bad for Brodie from all the punishment he endured cause our O-Line talent was scary bad when he was our starting QB..I still cringe when I see those "Honk If You Sacked Brodie" bumper-stickers The Barners put out..

 

[bamanut_aj]

For those who base everything on stats and championships, and fail to look at the entire 'aura' or the entire package:

To me, Brodie was a superstar. He was a legacy guy because of his father. He had the Joe Namath look. He had that cool demeanor. Popular on campus. Had the big arm. Respectful, kind, and a leader.

When you think of 'quarterback at Alabama' and think beyond 'on the field', Croyle was a big time QB. And it's not like he sucked on the field.


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[Bamabuzzard]

I see that I ruffled a lot of feathers with my earlier remarks. I guess my negative words about how I viewed Brodie as a football player were better left unsaid here in this thread. I apologize if I offended anyone.

I live and do business in the Gadsden area and have dealt directly with the Croyles and the ranch, having even been out there several times. From a strictly personal standpoint, I have nothing but respect for all of them including Brodie--I'm especially fond of his dad. The work that they do is outstanding and I commend them for it. I simply have a different view than most on here I guess when it comes to evaluating his overall playing career and I'll leave it at that.

I don't think the spirit of the thread was intended to critique Brodie's "game" on the field. But either way, nothing you said seemed to be out of line. You simply have a different opinion than many regarding Brodie's accomplishments and status as a player between the white lines. No harm no foul in my book.

 

[AlBamaWagg]

On a side note, the story of the time John Croyle went to see CPB to quit the team is great. Also, if I recall correctly, when JC discussed his desire/plan with CPB to open a Boy's home, CPB handed him a check to help start it. For me, the Croyle family story is one of the best out there, and one to be celebrated.

 

[tidegrandpa]

On a side note, the story of the time John Croyle went to see CPB to quit the team is great. Also, if I recall correctly, when JC discussed his desire/plan with CPB to open a Boy's home, CPB handed him a check to help start it. For me, the Croyle family story is one of the best out there, and one to be celebrated.

And after the Bear made some calls John Hannah sent his $30,000 NFL signing bonus to open the school.