A legendary figure in Alabama football passed away over the weekend. Former Alabama halfback and quarterback Harry Gilmer died Saturday at the age of 90.

Gilmer starred on the Alabama teams of the mid-1940s including the undefeated 11-0 squad of 1945 that beat USC 34-14 in the Rose Bowl.

On Monday’s edition of Southern Fried Sports, the editor and publisher of Bama Magazine Kirk McNair offered his thoughts on the passing of the Alabama football legend.

While Gilmer is noted for his accomplishments on the football field, it was his personality off the field that McNair remembers most.

“For me, because I knew him in his later years, knew him best as gentleman. He was such a gentleman and looked the part.” McNair sad.

The veteran observer of Alabama football elaborated on what made Gilmer a gentleman.

“The main thing is that he was just such a kind person and a person you really enjoyed talking to, and one of those people who has that knack of making it seem to you like what you have to say to him is important.” McNair said.

While numerous stars have come and gone from the Alabama football scene, the Bama Magazine editor and publisher recounted how Gilmer was nationally known as one of college football’s best athletes of the 1940s in addition to being a fan favorite.

“He was just absolutely the fan favorite, nationally known at a time when it was a lot more difficult to be nationally known. He had guys like Red Smith and Grantland Rice who covered people with a national audience.” McNair said.

On the football field, Gilmer was most noted for the jump pass. McNair recalled the explanation that Gilmer gave him on his technique for utilizing the jump pass.

“He said that in order to get centered up, rather than stop, he had the ability where he would jump in the air and be able to turn his hips and shoulders down field where he wasn’t throwing across his body or against his body. So he’d square up to make that pass.” McNair said

Southern Fried Sports with Travis Reier airs each weekday from 11-noon on Tide 102.9 and the radioPup app.

 

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