Virgil Allen Howard

Historical marker location:

875 Main Street, Gardendale, Alabama

( Marker is on Main Street north of Mt. Olive Road/Civic Center Drive, on the right when traveling north.)

The University of Alabama was the site of one of the most dramatic moments in college football history. In 1970, legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant walked onto the field during a game against Southern California and ordered his team to remove their helmets as a sign of respect for the recent passing of USC's coach.