Had the Detroit Lions not Falconed, Bama fans could have enjoyed watching the Super Bowl in two weeks, But they did, blowing a 24-7 halftime lead and losing to San Francisco 34-31.

Alt 101.7 logo
Get our free mobile app

When Sunday began, Alabama was well-represented in the AFC and NFC Championship Games. When night fell, that was no longer the case.

Four former Alabama stars were active for the Final Four of the NFL playoffs, while three more were either on injured reserve or a practice squad. Neither the Kansas City Chiefs nor the San Francisco 49ers had a former Crimson Tide star on their active rosters.

That doesn't mean someone with Bama roots won't get a Super Bowl ring. They just won't do it as active members of the Chiefs or Niners.

San Francisco  features former Tide tight end Cam Latu on its injured list. The same is true for the Chiefs and practive squad defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs.

It could have been so mucn better for Tide Nation to watch a Super Bowl featuring active players Marlon Humphrey of the Ravens and Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and Brian Branch of the Lions.

It just didn't happen. Wasn't meant to be.

The Chiefs downed the Baltimore Ravens 17-10, in the first game of the day  Sunday, and cornerback  Humphrey was the lone Alabama alum to participate in the AFC title game. After dealing with a calf injury, he saw the field for the first time since Dec. 31. Another defensive back, Jalyn Armour-Davis was on injured reserve and unavailable to play for Baltimore.

The 49ers defeated the Detroit Lions, 34-31, in Game 2. Running back Gibbs scored his third touchdown of the playoffs while becoming the first rookie in league history to produce at least 125 rushing yards, 75 receiving yards and three rushing touchdowns in a single postseason.

Wide receiver Williams had a big game for Detroit with two total touchdowns, one on the ground and another as a receiver. His first touchdown was a 42-yard reverse,  which was the second-longest rushing touchdown by a wide receiver in the playoffs in NFL history as well as the fourth-longest rush by a wideout in postseason history.

Former Tide safety Brian Branch was also active for Detroit and recorded his third tackle for loss of the playoffs from his nickel position.

The 49ers and Chiefs will face off in Super Bowl LVIII Sunday, Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.

Here are Sunday's Bama in the NFL Stats:

Kansas City Chiefs 17, Baltimore Ravens 10

Baltimore Ravens (1)
Marlon Humphrey, CB – 1 tackle

San Francisco 49ers 34, Detriot Lions 31

Detroit Lions (3)
Brian Branch, DB – 4 tackles, 1 TFL
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB – 12 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD (15 yards); 3 catches, 11 yards; 1 lost fumble
Jameson Williams, WR – 2 catches, 25 yards, 1 TD (3 yards); 1 carry, 42 yards, 1 TD.

Bottom line: no Bama players will be active at the Super Bowl. If you want to go to a movie that day instead of watching the game, we understand.

Of course, there's always the commercials...

Crimson Tide's NFL Draft First-Rounders During Saban's Tenure

Take a look back on the Crimson Tide's first round selections under head coach Nick Saban.

Gallery Credit: Jacob Harrison