Why is Crimson Tide an Elephant?

Nestled within the annals of college football history, the University of Alabama stands as a paragon of excellence, boasting a rich heritage that has left an indelible mark on the sport. Founded in 1831, the institution's journey through time has been interwoven with the rise of its football program, colloquially known as the Crimson Tide. The team, under the steadfast guidance of Head Coach Nick Saban, has garnered six national championships, solidifying its status as a perennial powerhouse within the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the NCAA.

The moniker Crimson Tide found its genesis in 1907, a symbolic representation of the team's unwavering strength and dominance. Alabama's football lineage has been further burnished by the presence of luminaries like Bear Bryant, whose legacy includes six national titles during his tenure from 1958 to 1982. A common question that often comes up when talking about the Crimson Tide is: Why is Crimson Tide an elephant?

Crimson Tide an elephant

One of the most intriguing facets of Alabama's identity is its mascot, Crimson Tide an elephant. In 1930, sportswriter Everett Strupper praised the Alabama football team as a dominant force with qualities like power, toughness, and skill. An excited fan's exclamation, "Hold your horses, the elephants are coming!" led to the term "Red Elephants," paying homage to the team's strength and crimson jerseys. Though originating in 1930, it took five decades for Alabama to adopt the Crimson Tide an elephant, as the official mascot.

Big Al: The Elephant Mascot

The Big Al mascot's conception was the result of an innovative idea by student Walt Tart, who recognized the popularity of mascot costumes in Southeastern Conference schools. A pivotal meeting with Coach Bear Bryant culminated in funding approval for the creation of an elephant costume. Big Al's inaugural appearance at the 1979 Sugar Bowl marked the beginning of a cherished tradition celebrated by the Alabama faithful.

Chosen via student vote, Big Al was inspired by DJ Al Brown, becoming an iconic emblem for the Crimson Tide. The mascot enlivens game days, symbolizing Alabama's spirit. Aspiring students undergo a thorough tryout, mimicking the character's walk and performing skits. The process ends with a field walk assessment before the A-Day football game.

Big Al and Big Alice

In recent times, the University of Alabama has continued to embrace its beloved elephant mascot, occasionally joined by a female counterpart named Big Alice. As the Crimson Tide's legacy endures and evolves, the enigma of the elephant mascot continues to captivate, embodying the indomitable spirit that defines Alabama football.