Alabama legend Harry Gilmer passes away Saturday
Sadness fell over the Alabama fan base Saturday — as former Crimson Tide great Harry Gilmer passed away Saturday at the age of 90.
To this day, Gilmer is the only Alabama player to ever be drafted No. 1 overall. A quarterback, halfback, and kick returner in Tuscaloosa, Gilmer was the the first player selected by the Washington Redskins in the 1948 NFL Draft.
A nine-year playing career ensued, followed by a two-year period as the head coach of the Detroit Lions.
Gilmer was regarded as one of the most popular player in program history. Hootie Ingram — a former player and athletic director at Alabama — spoke to Tuscaloosa News about Gilmer’s popularity during his playing career:
“[Gilmer] was No. 52. And that’s the first time in my life I remember seeing people walking around in shorts and jerseys with a particular number. You couldn’t go downtown and buy a jersey in a store like you do today, but your momma would sew a ’52’ on your sweater, or kids would draw it in pencil.”
Harry Lee, a former player and friend of Gilmer, echoed this sentiment.
“He was so popular, that people would send fan mail with nothing on the envelope except ‘Number 52′, University of Alabama’ and the post office would get it to him.’
During his career with the Crimson Tide, he helped Alabama earn a victory over USC in the Rose Bowl in 1946 — as well as featuring in two Sugar Bowl contests.