Alabama's elephant mascot, "Big Al," stems from a 1930 sportswriter's description of the football team's linemen as "red elephants" due to their size, which later evolved into the current costumed mascot.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
The "Red Elephants" Origin:
In 1930, during a game against the University of Mississippi, a fan in the stands reportedly referred to the Alabama linemen as "elephants" because of their size, and journalists subsequently began referring to them as the "Red Elephants".
Early Mascot Attempts:
Before Big Al, Alabama used temporary elephant mascots from circuses for Homecoming festivities in the 1950s.
Melford Espey's Role:
In the early 1960s, student Melford Espey was the first to dress up as an elephant, but the idea didn't gain traction until later.
Walt Tart's Idea:
In 1979, University of Alabama student Walt Tart, a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, proposed to the homecoming chairman, Ann Paige, that the school adopt a mascot costume, inspired by other Southeastern Conference schools.
Disney's Involvement:
Tart discovered that the University of Kentucky and other schools had their mascots designed and constructed by the Walt Disney Company, and he received a price quote for an elephant costume.
Coach Bryant's Approval:
Tart and Paige met with Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, who initially teased them about having a real elephant on the field, but eventually agreed to fund the costume, with the understanding it would be a person in a costume.
Big Al's Debut:
Big Al, the current costumed elephant mascot, made his debut in the 1979 Sugar Bowl game against Arkansas.
The Original Costume:
The original Big Al costume, made at Walt Disney Studios in Florida, is now displayed at the Paul W. Bryant Museum.
Name Origin:
The name "Big Al" is said to be in honor of a local DJ.