Paul Bryant's wrestling match with a bear leads to an iconic nickname

Paul Bryant, a legendary figure in Alabama football, received his famous nickname 'Bear' at age 13 after wrestling a carnival bear. The event took place at the Lyric Theatre, where he successfully remained in the ring for a minute. This marked the beginning of a storied career in football, leading to his role as head coach at the University of Alabama, where he won numerous championships. His influence extended beyond the field, making him a cultural icon in the South until his death in 1983.

• 9:06 AMYahoo Sports — How a carnival bear helped create a football icon