Rutledge: Title at Alabama Meant More

From a renowned prep career to his days at the Capstone, Jeff Rutledge had a knack for winning games.

In high school Rutledge shined, helping to lead Banks High School to 36 consecutive victories and consecutive state championships. The list of accolades may have increased, however, a broken ankle in his senior campaign detoured the dream of a three-peat.

Although his prep career ended in injury, colleges came calling. LSU had been hot on his trail for months, but when it came time to make a decision, Rutledge couldn't leave his home state, committing to join the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The decision paid off in spades. When his time in Tuscaloosa had come to a close, Rutledge was one of the most decorated quarterbacks to don the crimson and white, collecting 30 touchdowns passes in route to earning two second team All-SEC selections. But Rutledge wasn't just filling up the stat sheet-rather he filled up the trophy case as well winning three Southeastern Conference championships and capturing a national championship in his senior year.

Following his collegiate career Rutledge went on to play in the National Football League, making three Super Bowl appearances in 14 seasons, including seeing game action as part of the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXI before collecting a second ring as a backup for the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XXVI.

Monday evening Rutledge joined The Game with Mick GIllispie and Ryan Fowler and said if he had to make a choice, his 1978 national title with the Crimson Tide carries more weight to him.