"Tragic Loss: Former Alabama Football Legend, Clemson Tigers Head Coach Dies After Fall according to report

Former Alabama football legend Cecil “Hootie” Ingram has died.

The Associated Press reports that Cecil “Hootie” Ingram died at a Birmingham hospital. Ingram played defensive back, quarterback, and halfback for Alabama from 1952 to 1954. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1952 after recording ten interceptions. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1955, but never appeared in an NFL regular season game.
Following the news that Ingram had died, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne wrote a note on X.

“We will miss Hootie deeply. He was a great man who always welcomed you with a bright smile. Hootie left an indelible mark on The University of Alabama as both a student-athlete and an administrator. We extend our sympathies to his family and friends.

We will miss Hootie dearly. He was such a wonderful man and always greeted you with a big smile. Hootie left a lasting impact on The University of Alabama as both a student-athlete and administrator. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. 🙏 https://t.co/XMVMxAo0ix

— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) May 6, 2024

Prior to the 1970 season, Ingram was named as Clemson’s head coach. He would go 12-21 in three seasons before resigning from his position.
According to Clemson’s website, Ingram established two significant traditions for the football program:

“Ingram’s career corresponds with two significant Clemson traditions. Prior to his first season in 1970, he convened a conference with Clemson administrators with the goal of improving the school’s image. That July, Clemson formally launched its now-ubiquitous Tiger Paw logo, which appeared on the Tigers’ helmets that fall.

For the final game of his tenure, Ingram also revived Clemson’s Running Down the Hill tradition, which had been dormant for several years following the erection of locker rooms near the west end zone. Clemson won 7-6 against South Carolina in a cold rain after Jimmy Williamson blocked a two-point conversion try in the fourth quarter.