Alabama football legend Richard Todd reveals how Bear Bryant refused to promise him more passes—then personally intervened to save his NFL future.As a highly recruited high school quarterback, Todd asked Coach Bryant a straightforward question: Would Alabama throw the football more if he signed with the Crimson Tide?After taking a puff from his cigarette, Bryant gave Todd an equally straightforward answer:“Nope.”Todd chose Alabama anyway. He became a starting quarterback, never lost an SEC game and helped the Crimson Tide win three consecutive conference championships. But Alabama’s wishbone offense gave him few opportunities to prove he could throw well enough to play professionally.That was when Coach Bryant stepped in.Todd recalls Bryant taking the telephone, calling the Senior Bowl and ordering him to play in Mobile instead of traveling to the Hula Bowl. Todd threw for approximately 320 yards—and believes that performance rescued his NFL draft prospects.The New York Jets selected Todd sixth overall in the 1976 NFL Draft, where he was asked to follow another Alabama quarterback: Joe Namath.Todd also shares:• Bear Bryant’s unforgettable bowl-trip curfew trap• The private compassion Bryant rarely publicized• Why Alabama’s wishbone overwhelmed opposing defenses• How Joe Namath helped Todd reach the New York Jets• Namath’s advice for surviving the pressure of playing quarterback in New York• Why Todd eventually realized that football fame is fleetingCHAPTERS00:00 Bryant Takes the Telephone00:24 “Will We Throw the Ball More?”02:02 Why Alabama’s Wishbone Worked03:44 Bear Bryant’s Curfew Trap05:33 The Compassion Bryant Kept Private07:08 The Decision That Saved Todd’s NFL Future08:33 Joe Namath Helps Todd Reach the Jets09:46 Following Namath in New York11:13 Namath’s Advice About Praise and Criticism12:10 Football Ends—Life Continues12:59 Quarterback Fame Is Fleeting13:56 Become a Founding MemberBECOME A FOUNDING MEMBERRichard Todd’s complete, unedited interview is available to Crimson Chronicles Founding Members.For $4.99 a month, members receive complete interviews, early access to new episodes, our members-only monthly note, recognition in episode credits and a direct line to suggest future guests.Join at https://tidehistory.com/founding-member.SUPPORT OUR PARTNERSCrimson Chronicles is proud to support the University of Alabama National Alumni Association. You do not have to be an Alabama graduate to join. Learn more at https://alumni.ua.edu.Show your Alabama pride with Tidal Towel, the rally towel created especially for Crimson Tide fans. Visit https://whitwilsports.com and use discount code CCP.Crimson Chronicles is the internet’s only show dedicated to Crimson Tide Sports History.Subscribe on YouTube, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and visit https://tidehistory.com for more firsthand Alabama football history.#BearBryant #AlabamaFootball #RichardTodd