Bear Bryant

Date of Birth: September 11, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: January 26, 1983

Biography

Paul William “Bear” Bryant was an iconic figure in American college football, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the University of Alabama’s football team. Born in Moro Bottom, Arkansas, Bryant earned his nickname “Bear” after wrestling a bear at a carnival when he was 13. He played college football at the University of Alabama as an end. Bryant began his coaching career at Union University in Tennessee but quickly moved up the ranks, eventually taking the helm at the University of Kentucky, Texas A&M University, and finally, the University of Alabama. His coaching career spanned 38 years, during which he became the winningest coach in college football history at the time of his retirement. Bear Bryant led the Crimson Tide to six national championships and thirteen conference championships. Known for his houndstooth hat and his gruff demeanor, Bryant was a master motivator and a strategic genius on the field. He retired after the 1982 season and passed away just a few weeks later, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a revered place in college football history.

5 Interesting Facts about Bear Bryant

1. Bear Bryant was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

2. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he coached a military football team.

3. Bryant won six national championships with Alabama (1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979).

4. He was known for his unique fashion sense, particularly his houndstooth hat, which became a symbol of his legacy.

5. Bryant famously said he could “take his’n and beat your’n, and take your’n and beat his’n,” emphasizing his coaching prowess.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bear Bryant

1. “If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride—and never quit—you’ll be a winner.”

2. “The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.”

3. “Don’t ever give up on ability. Don’t give up on a player who has it.”

4. “It’s not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.”

5. “Winning isn’t everything, but it beats anything that comes in second.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Bear Bryant’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million, a considerable sum for a coach during his time.

Children

Bear Bryant had two children: a daughter, Mae Martin Bryant, and a son, Paul W. Bryant Jr., who has also been involved in the University of Alabama’s athletic programs and various business ventures.