Alabama stars launch new podcast centered on the Crimson Tide: Former QB says 'I don’t have to hold back'
Former Alabama stars AJ McCarron, Chris Stewart, and Trent Richardson are joining forces to launch a new podcast focused on football, set to premiere next week. McCarron, the Crimson Tide’s celebrated quarterback, shared the exciting announcement during the Regions Tradition Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament at Greystone in Hoover. Titled The Dynasty: A Podcast on the […]
Former Alabama stars AJ McCarron, Chris Stewart, and Trent Richardson are joining forces to launch a new podcast focused on football, set to premiere next week. McCarron, the Crimson Tide’s celebrated quarterback, shared the exciting announcement during the Regions Tradition Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament at Greystone in Hoover.
Titled The Dynasty: A Podcast on the Alabama Crimson Tide, the podcast, produced by Sinclair’s AMP Media, will officially launch on May 28.
“At least I don’t have to hold back,” McCarron told reporters gathered at the event. “I don’t have any media people saying, ‘Hey, let’s not say this.’
“I’m excited. … It’s gonna be fun. Everyone knows me. I’m gonna be honest whether you want to hear it or not. Just the way it was brought up. It’s the way coach (Nick Saban) taught me in college.”
Stewart, the Voice of the Crimson Tide, confirmed the news to AL.com.
“I’m really excited about this,” Stewart told AL.com. “Obviously, I’ve known and worked with AJ and Trent since their playing days, and we’ve kept in touch since then. We will have a good time sharing stories of our past connections with the Tide, as well as thoughts on what’s happening now in Tuscaloosa.
“Plus, we will have some familiar names as guests, that should be a lot of fun, as well.”
A Celebration of Alabama Legends: AJ McCarron and Trent Richardson
For Crimson Tide fans, the names AJ McCarron and Trent Richardson evoke memories of dominance, national championships, and the relentless pursuit of excellence under Coach Nick Saban. As we anticipate their new podcast, let’s take a moment to reflect on their remarkable college careers that cemented their legacies in Tuscaloosa.
AJ McCarron: The Steady Hand of the Crimson Tide
AJ McCarron arrived at Alabama in 2009 as a highly touted quarterback from Mobile, Alabama, and quickly became the embodiment of precision and leadership. Redshirting his freshman year, McCarron learned the intricacies of Saban’s system behind starter Greg McElroy. By 2010, he saw limited action, but his breakout came in 2011 when he took over as the starting quarterback.
McCarron’s sophomore campaign was nothing short of historic. Leading Alabama to a 12-1 record and a national championship, he threw for 2,634 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only five interceptions, showcasing his ability to manage games with poise. His performance in the BCS National Championship Game against LSU, where Alabama shut out the Tigers 21-0, solidified his reputation as a clutch performer.
In 2012, McCarron elevated his game further, guiding Alabama to another national title. With 2,933 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, he earned the Maxwell Award and finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
His connection with receivers like Amari Cooper and Kevin Norwood was electric, and his leadership in high-stakes games, including a comeback win against Georgia in the SEC Championship, remains legendary.
McCarron’s senior year in 2013 saw him continue his stellar play, throwing for 3,063 yards and 28 touchdowns. Though Alabama fell short of a third straight title, McCarron’s career stats—9,019 passing yards, 77 touchdowns, and a 36-4 record as a starter—rank him among the greatest quarterbacks in Crimson Tide history.
Trent Richardson: The Workhorse Running Back
Trent Richardson’s tenure at Alabama was a masterclass in physicality and explosiveness. Arriving in 2009, Richardson played a supporting role as a freshman behind Mark Ingram, the Heisman Trophy winner. Even in limited action, he rushed for 751 yards and eight touchdowns, hinting at his immense potential.
By 2010, Richardson emerged as a force, sharing carries with Ingram and racking up 1,451 all-purpose yards, including 700 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and accelerate through defenses made him a fan favorite. However, it was his 2011 season that etched his name in Alabama lore.
As the feature back, Richardson dominated, rushing for 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns, earning the Doak Walker Award and a third-place finish in Heisman voting. His performance in key games, like the Iron Bowl against Auburn, where he ran for 203 yards, showcased his ability to carry the Tide’s offense. Richardson’s bruising style and relentless energy were pivotal in Alabama’s 2011 national championship run.
Opting to enter the NFL Draft after his junior year, Richardson left Alabama with 3,130 career rushing yards, 35 rushing touchdowns, and a legacy as one of the most dominant running backs in program history.