Marvin Constant's story

FitToBeTide · Feb 12, 2014

Those who remember Marvin might enjoy the book he's written on his football career, which was ended tragically in the '99 LSU game when he blew out his left knee on a saving tackle. He'll always be remembered by me as the hero of that game.
LINK

gtgilbert · Feb 12, 2014

stories like his are why I can never blame a guy for going to the pro's early if they have a chance.

TIDE-HSV · Feb 12, 2014

It was such a shame. He was one helluva player, first on offense, then on defense. But he got his education and the security of employability...

Tideflyer · Feb 12, 2014

1FitToBeTide said:
Those who remember Marvin might enjoy the book he's written on his football career, which was ended tragically in the '99 LSU game when he blew out his left knee on a saving tackle. He'll always be remembered by me as the hero of that game.
LINK

I was at that game. Marvin turned himself into a human pretzel making a play at the goal line. There wasn`t much left in his knee that he didn`t tear making that play. I was just surprised that other parts of his body didn`t fall off.

Alasippi · Feb 12, 2014

I think this would be a good read for anyone. I'll definitely read it.
I remember the play like it was yesterday. One of the greatest in Bama history considering the situation. I'm like Earle, I'm just glad he overcame his heartache, got his education, and is doing well. You just never know what the future holds, but that education doesn't ever go away. Once it's yours, it's yours to keep.

tmv85 · Feb 12, 2014

Thanks for the link! I'll definitely be reading his book. We were at that game, and the play was pretty much right in front of us. I knew it was bad immediately.

CrimsonSnake · Feb 12, 2014

Tideflyer said:
I was at that game. Marvin turned himself into a human pretzel making a play at the goal line. There wasn`t much left in his knee that he didn`t tear making that play. I was just surprised that other parts of his body didn`t fall off.

Wasn't there another player hurt on the same play? My seats were in the end zone that season and I seem to remember someone else injured as well.

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Tideflyer · Feb 12, 2014

CrimsonSnake said:
Wasn't there another player hurt on the same play? My seats were in the end zone that season and I seem to remember someone else injured as well.

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My recollection is yes, there were a couple of our down (including Marvin) and maybe even one from LSU. It was a real train wreck of a final play.

FitToBeTide · Feb 12, 2014

CrimsonSnake said:
Wasn't there another player hurt on the same play? My seats were in the end zone that season and I seem to remember someone else injured as well.

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Kenny Smith blew his knee on the play before Marvin's. There were 2 other starters besides Marvin and Kenny hurt in that brutal game: Canary Knight (broken leg, out for season); and DB Tony Dixon, who came back to play last 4 games. That made 3 defensive players lost for the season during that game.

TommyMac · Feb 12, 2014

I think of Marvin Constant fairly often. Had he stayed healthy he would be a Bama legend today and in every discussion re Greatest Bama LB's Ever.

Same for Tyrone Prothro, both just scratched the surface of their futures on the football field.

CoolBreeze · Feb 12, 2014

I am going to buy it. We need to support our own.

GrayTide · Feb 12, 2014

tmv85 said:
Thanks for the link! I'll definitely be reading his book. We were at that game, and the play was pretty much right in front of us. I knew it was bad immediately.

Me too, I wasn't sure of any of those involved would get up.

MBA_99 · Feb 12, 2014

I hope this guy aces every job interview.

"Can you tell me an example of a time you had to go above and beyond for your team memberss?"
"Okay, tell me if one of the other candidates can top this..."

BamaGal99 · Feb 12, 2014

Was my last year in the Million Dollar Band. What a year and what a game that was. Will never forget Marvin after that game. I think I read somewhere that his friends wouldn't let him watch that play for many years. I can't imagine what he went through. Will get the book. Thanks! RTR!

CrimsonJag · Feb 12, 2014

Scroll to about the 8:00 minute mark.

rolltide_21 · Feb 12, 2014

The only one seeing about Constant was Grimes. Granted it was pandemonium. Lost two very good defensive players on back to back plays. That was a tough hit that Kenny Smith took on the previous play. Didn't see if Dubose even checked on Constant & I don't remember if he did. Knowing him he was probably oblivious to it.

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Bamagator · Feb 12, 2014

I was standing in the corner of the end zone where that play happened and it was upsetting to see. I saw everyone celebrating while he was rolling around in pain and it did put things in perspective. We fans get all wrapped up in the outcome of the game and are quick to criticize players when something goes wrong. Most of us don't know what they go through to get out there, what they sacrifice and what they risk. I try not to get too wound up about somebody dropping a pass, jumping offside or missing a tackle. I probably won't get a concussion or tear an ACL sitting on my couch drinking beer. My hat is off to Marvin, Tyrone Prothro, and for that matter, anybody else that stepped into the arena wearing the crimson jersey. They don't all make a fortune in the NFL. I suspect all the players play though pain and injury at some point. We tend to see them as invincible robots inside those uniforms. Injuries are a sad part of the game that is convenient and easy to overlook when things are going well. A guy willing to risk not walking right again for the next 60+ years deserves all the credit he can get.

If he doesn't make that tackle that ended his career, we don't go to the SEC Championship and destroy Florida,and then at least make it to the Orange Bowl. I will be interested to read his assessment of whether it was worth it.

TommyMac · Feb 13, 2014

Bamagator said:
I was standing in the corner of the end zone where that play happened and it was upsetting to see. I saw everyone celebrating while he was rolling around in pain and it did put things in perspective. We fans get all wrapped up in the outcome of the game and are quick to criticize players when something goes wrong. Most of us don't know what they go through to get out there, what they sacrifice and what they risk. I try not to get too wound up about somebody dropping a pass, jumping offside or missing a tackle. I probably won't get a concussion or tear an ACL sitting on my couch drinking beer. My hat is off to Marvin, Tyrone Prothro, and for that matter, anybody else that stepped into the arena wearing the crimson jersey. They don't all make a fortune in the NFL. I suspect all the players play though pain and injury at some point. We tend to see them as invincible robots inside those uniforms. Injuries are a sad part of the game that is convenient and easy to overlook when things are going well. A guy willing to risk not walking right again for the next 60+ years deserves all the credit he can get.

If he doesn't make that tackle that ended his career, we don't go to the SEC Championship and destroy Florida,and then at least make it to the Orange Bowl. I will be interested to read his assessment of whether it was worth it.

Damn good post.

alabama mike1 · Feb 13, 2014

I really appreciate you sharing this post. Constant was a fine LB at Bama but it also appears he has made a fine man.

ccc2259 · Feb 13, 2014

CoolBreeze said:
I am going to buy it. We need to support our own.

Reason enough. Roll Tide!

Marvin Constant's story

All-American

All-American

Senior Administrator

Hall of Fame

Suspended

All-SEC

3rd Team

Hall of Fame

All-American

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

1st Team

BamaNation Citizen

All-American

Hall of Fame

Scout Team

Hall of Fame

All-American

All-American

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