Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick Named Jim Thorpe Player of the Week

Alabama football’s Minkah Fitzpatrick was selected as the Jim Thorpe Player of the Week for week six, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday morning.

Fitzpatrick played a key role in helping the Tide defense force a season-high five turnovers in last weekend’s 49-30 win at Arkansas. He tied the Alabama single-game school record with three interceptions while also making five tackles and breaking up two passes. Fitzpatrick returned one of the interceptions for a 100-yard touchdown to set the Crimson Tide record for the longest interception return in program history.

The sophomore defensive back has collected 27 tackles this season to lead the secondary and rank third overall on the team. He has added two tackles for loss (-13 yards) and 1.5 sacks (-13 yards). Fitzpatrick has also tallied a team-high five pass breakups while forcing one fumble on special teams. The honor is Fitzpatrick’s second this week, having already earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

The Jim Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.