TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — An Alabama football legend is being remembered as the oldest former Crimson Tide quarterback.
Clell Hobson passed away on March 14th at the age of 93. His friends and family said he loved the Tuscaloosa community, where he served on the city council.
Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner said Hobson was a great friend and leader of the city.
“I didn't know anyone who didn't like Clell Hobson,” Tyner said. “He was a good man and stayed in touch with his friends, and that became his great legacy. Krell was a legend and I knew him all my life.”
Hobson's son, Butch Hobson, of Demopolis, said he and his family are grieving his father's death. But he also celebrates his father's life and his many accomplishments.
“My father was a strong Christian and will be missed by many,” Butch Hobson said. “My father interacted with many people, and wherever he went he always tried to be a kind gentleman to everyone. And he never met a stranger.”
Butch Hobson is the quarterback most old-school Alabama fans remember as the quarterback who led the Crimson Tide to victory in the 1953 Orange Bowl, defeating Syracuse 61-6 with teammate Bart Starr at quarterback. He said he remembers Clell Hobson as.
“When anything is written about my father, they talk about that game. Bart Starr was my father's claim to fame, Bart Starr was his backup,” Butch Hobson said. . “And a lot of Bama fans remember him and Bart passing for a lot of yards in that game.”
Butch Hobson said a celebration of life will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home on March 29 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and the family will conduct a private graveside service.
Butch Hobson said he will establish a sports medicine scholarship fund in Clell Hobson's name. Anyone who would like to donate should contact Linka Feenker at 251-209-5465.
