Woodrow Lowe, a three-time All-American linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer who starred for the University of Alabama in the 1970s, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his home in Collierville, Tennessee, at the age of 71. A native of Phenix City, Alabama, Lowe’s remarkable journey from a high school standout to a Crimson Tide icon and NFL veteran left an indelible mark on the sport and those who knew him.
Born on June 9, 1954, in Columbus, Georgia, Lowe grew up in Phenix City, just across the state line from Auburn University. A twist of fate—a flat tire that prevented a planned visit to Auburn—set him on a path to Tuscaloosa, where he would become one of Alabama’s most celebrated players under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Lowe’s decision to join the Crimson Tide proved monumental, not only for his career but for the program’s storied history.
Lowe arrived at Alabama in 1972, the first year freshmen were eligible to play varsity college football. He quickly earned a starting role and helped the Crimson Tide secure four consecutive Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships from 1972 to 1975. As a sophomore in 1973, Lowe set a school record with 134 tackles, a mark that still stands, and led Alabama to an undefeated regular season and a share of the national championship. His defensive prowess earned him first-team All-American honors in 1973, 1974 (consensus), and 1975, making him only the second Alabama player to achieve this distinction three times, alongside Cornelius Bennett. In his senior year, Lowe served as team captain, guiding Alabama to another SEC title and a Sugar Bowl appearance.
Known for his hard-hitting style, Lowe’s impact was immortalized by broadcaster John Forney’s iconic call: “Hit ’em high, hit ’em low, hit ’em, Woodrow Lowe.” His versatility as a linebacker was evident in his ability to stop the run and defend the pass, a skill set that translated seamlessly to the professional level. Selected in the fifth round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Lowe played 11 seasons, starting 151 of 165 possible games—a franchise record for a defensive player at the time. He recorded 21 interceptions, four of which he returned for touchdowns, showcasing his knack for making game-changing plays.
After retiring from the NFL, Lowe returned to his roots, coaching at both the professional and high school levels. He served as a defensive assistant for the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs before returning to his alma mater, Central-Phenix City High School, where he helped lead the Red Devils to a state championship in 1993 as an assistant coach. Lowe later took on head coaching roles at Selma, Smiths Station, and Central-Phenix City, compiling a 55-42 record. Despite being relieved of his head coaching duties at Central in 2014, his legacy as a mentor and leader endured.
Lowe’s contributions to football were recognized with numerous accolades. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. Alabama honored him as part of its First Team All-Decade and Second Team All-Century selections, cementing his status as one of the program’s all-time greats.
Lowe’s passing comes just months after the death of another Alabama linebacker legend, Lee Roy Jordan, marking a poignant moment for the Crimson Tide community. Alabama Football’s official statement read, “One of the all-time greats to wear the Crimson and White. Forever a legend.” Tributes poured in from former teammates, coaches, and fans, all echoing the sentiment that Lowe’s impact transcended the field.
