Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant

      For 25 years, Paul William Bryant was the head coach for the Alabama State football team. He held the record for most collegiate football wins in history with 323 wins. He was known for his trademark black and white gingham hat and deep voice. He was nicknamed bear because when he was thirteen years old he had to fight a captive bear. In 1931 he accepted a scholarship into the University of Alabama and in his senior year married Mary Harmon. He took over the university of Alabama football team in 1958. Issues he encountered were criticism for excluding black players from the team. This got him accused of racism but eventually after the 1973 season he recruited a scholar shipped black man into the team. On January 6, 1983 he passed away at the age of 69.