Who is Paul “Bear” Bryant

Every student at the University of Alabama is familiar with the name Paul Bryant. Located on campus is the Paul W. Bryant Museum, Paul W. Bryant Drive, and of course, the Bryant-Denny stadium, all named in honor of Paul “ Bear” Bryant. However, there are still many students cheering on their favorite football team who don’t actually know who Paul W. Bryant is, or why he is such a famous figure on the University of Alabama campus, as well as in the city of Tuscaloosa. Who is the man under the hounds tooth hat? Where did he come from and why is he so important to the University of Alabama?

Paul Bryant was born on September 11,1913. He was born and raised on a small farm in Moro Bottom, Arkansas. At the tender age of thirteen, Bryant earned his famous nickname, "Bear,” when he decided to wrestle a captive bear (no one may ever no the reason behind this). “Bear” was a standout on his high school football team in Fordyce, Arkansas and was practically guaranteed a spot on a decent college football time. However, Bear dropped out of high school before receiving his high school diploma. Fortunately, dropping out did not stop the Bear from receiving a football scholarship to the University of Alabama in 1931. Bear was guaranteed a spot on the team as long as he earned his high school diploma. He enrolled in Tuscaloosa High School, where he then finished high school and continued on to the University of Alabama to follow his dreams in football.

Bear lead the University of Alabama to capture the 1933 SEC championship. A year later, he helped his team to victory at the Rose Bowl, and in 1935, Bear led the Tide to a win over The University of Tennessee, with a broken left leg. This success earned Paul “Bear” Bryant his legendary name in college football. After finishing his football career at University of Alabama, Bear began to coach college football. He worked as an assistant from 1936 until 1941, coaching Union College, Vanderbilt, and none other then the Tide.

Bear took a break from football to serve in the navy during World War II. After the war, he began his head-coaching career. Prior to his reign as head coach at the University of Alabama, Bear coached at the University of Maryland, the University of Kentucky, and Texas A&M University. In 25 seasons at Alabama, Bear Bryant’s record was 232-46. Not to mention, he was a ten time SEC Coach of the year, as well as, four-time national coach of the year. However, his biggest honor came when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983, by President Ronald Reagan. Bryant appeared in 24 bowl games with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Paul “Bear” Bryant announced his retirement from coaching in 1982. He died on January 26, 1983, less than a month after retiring. Whether it was the crazy antics that gave him the legendary nickname, "Bear,” or just his glorified football record, Paul Bryant left his mark on the university of Alabama and college football forever. Every tide fan should know his story. After reading this post we hope u say, " Damn, I didn't know that!"