22. Pat Trammell, Alabama
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Trammell is the quarterback who helped turn Alabama around soon after Bear Bryant returned to the Crimson Tide in 1958. He seized control of the Alabama offense in 1959, won an SEC championship in 1960, and then led Alabama to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1961. During that 1961 season, he helped to mentor Joe Namath, who ultimately took the reins as Alabama’s quarterback.
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When his football career was over, Trammell earned his medical degree. He was working toward becoming a dermatologist when he succumbed to testicular cancer, passing away at the age of 28. Bryant referred to the day Trammell died “the saddest day of my life.” Despite his short life, Trammell remains an Alabama legend.
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