Today feels hollow in Alabama, as it’s just hard to describe just how much Woodrow Lowe meant to Tuscaloosa. But if you talk to folks who watched him play, it’s obvious the man was a legend and a pillar for Crimson Tide football. Lowe passed away at 71 in Collierville, Tennessee. He was a three-time All-American and part of the College Football Hall of Fame.

“Woodrow Lowe, one of Alabama’s all-time greats, died Thursday at 71,” sports writer Creg Stephenson the First posted on X. “He is one of only 2 players in Crimson Tide history to be named first-team All-American 3 times.” Eddie Lowe, Woodrow’s younger brother, confirmed the news of his passing away. Eddie told AL.com, “Woodrow was a great older brother. He pushed me, not just in football, but in life. He was pushed himself, and he passed that down to me. Was a good person, a very good person. He loved people and gave of himself his entire life. He lived a good life.”

Back then, Lowe set the school’s single-season tackle record with 134 stops in 1973. No one has touched that mark since, even though players now get to play more games. He was a leader on four straight SEC championship teams and the 1973 national title squad. Always seemed to know exactly where every play was headed. Alabama dominated during Lowe’s time there, winning the SEC title every single year he played.

The Crimson Tide went an incredible 43–5 overall, dropping just one game in SEC play the whole time. When the NFL called, he answered by spending 11 seasons with the San Diego Chargers and barely missed any time at all.

Being the 5th round, 131st overall pick in the 1976 NFL draft. Lowe was a natural when it came to pass defense. It’s something you don’t see every day from a linebacker. During his time with the Chargers, he snagged 21 interceptions, taking four of them all the way to the end zone. Even after he hung up his cleats, Lowe kept giving back. And that’s when he entered the coaching circle.

He spent six years in the NFL as a defensive assistant with the Raiders and Chiefs before heading back to his alma mater as an assistant coach. Then, on December 30, 2009, Lowe got the call to take over as head coach at Central High in Phenix City, Alabama. He came back to his old stomping ground. He led the team for a few seasons before stepping away from the job in May 2014.

Fans fondly remember Woodrow Lowe

People made sure to send Woodrow Lowe off with a proper roll of wishes, just like he deserved. “Lord Have Mercy Praying for the Family,” a fan wrote. It’s a hollow feeling in Tuscaloosa and across the college football world. Fans and fellow players alike poured out prayers and condolences. Now, his family holds the grief of losing a true icon. As per public records, it seems that Lowe didn’t marry anyone, nor did he have any kids.

His college career was nothing short of spectacular. Another fan chimed in, “Top 5 Bama Players for Me All Time.” Lowe became the second player in Alabama history to earn first-team All-American honors three times (1973, 1974–consensus, 1975). During that stretch, Alabama also featured stars like two-time All-American John Hannah, defensive end Leroy Cook, and wide receiver Ozzie Newsome, who earned player of the decade honors.

A fan added, “Great Player and Much More!” At Alabama, he was a team captain and leader during a golden era. Transitioning to the NFL, he became a San Diego Chargers stalwart for 11 seasons. He started 151 of a possible 168 games there. Late Woodrow was also a seven-time team captain and was inducted into the Chargers’ 50th Anniversary Team. “He Was One of My Favorite Linebackers. If He Hit You, You Felt It,” another netizen commented.

His physicality was legendary. With a stature of 1.83 m at 71, imagine the type of havoc he unleashed during his youth. Chargers quarterback Ken Stabler once nearly got sacked by Lowe. Lastly, a fan writes, “Sad Sad News!” Indeed, it is. Lowe symbolized an era of Alabama football that many remember fondly. As the tributes flood in, it’s clear that his impact went beyond stats. Rest in peace, Woodrow Lowe. We will miss you!