Woodrow Lowe, a three-time All-American at the University of Alabama and an NFL veteran with an 11-year career, has died following a prolonged illness.
He was 71 years old.
Lowe’s younger brother confirmed that he passed away on Thursday morning.
“Woodrow was a fantastic older brother,” said Eddie Rowe, the current mayor of Phoenix, Alabama. “He not only encouraged me in football but also in life. His drive inspired me.”
“He was a kind man, a very good man. He truly cared for people and dedicated his life to them. He lived well.”
The linebacker kicked off his college football journey in 1972, the first year freshmen could join the varsity team, quickly establishing himself as a starter on the Alabama squad that clinched the SEC championship.
“At Alabama, we had lofty expectations,” Lowe mentioned in a 2015 interview. “It was never about me; it was about the team, the program, and the organization. What I still take pride in is that we functioned as a team. My teammates were aware of the standards.”
In his second season, Lowe set a program record with 134 tackles, helping the Crimson Tide secure the SEC title. He received first-team All-SEC and All-American recognition, marking the start of a notable trio of accolades.
“The way he navigates through chaos to make tackles is incredible,” remarked Alabama head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant in a 1973 interview. “Woodrow is a superior linebacker compared to anyone who’s come here since Lee Roy, and he’s both bigger and faster than Lee Roy.”
Lowe was chosen by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 1976 NFL Draft and dedicated his entire 11-year career to San Diego.
During his time with the Chargers, Lowe started in 151 games, recorded 21 interceptions, and 26 sacks before hanging up his cleats after the 1986 season.
After his retirement, Lowe was honored as part of both the Chargers’ 40th and 50th Anniversary Teams.
Lowe was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
