I believe it is the number worn by the quarterback.
.......... Coincidentally, Greg McElroy wore 12 2007-2010
Ironically, they [ALA ]also own 12 National Championships; 2009's make it 13 total National Championships. So maybe the helmet will change to 13. If not, then it is likely due to it being Joe Namath's number- QB from the 60's still famous today.
As a whole, the University uses the number of National Championships the school has earned, as the team helment number. Each player's jersey number is on their own individual helment.
Joe Namath
31
GREG MCELROY
2011/2012 University of Alabama's #1 Running Back Eddie Lacy
Dre Kirkpatric a defensive back
Musso:
Forrest's jersey number while a member of the University of Alabama football team was 44.
he played at Florida not Alabama
Forest Gump played for the University of Alabama, under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, and he wore the number 44.
In 2016, the University of Alabama had the most players starting in the NFL, with a significant number of its alumni on active rosters. This trend reflects Alabama's strong football program and successful recruitment, producing numerous NFL-ready athletes. The university's consistent performance in college football has contributed to its players' transition to professional football.
For the major sports, Alabama for football, UCLA for basketball, and LSU and South Carolina for baseball