Watch SEC Storied

As one of the most popular sports television networks, ESPN has its fair share of specialized programming, and in 2011, it introduced another one: "SEC Storied" on ESPNU. The series explores some of the most exciting and unique stories from Southeastern Conference (SEC) sports history. It also highlights the impact of these stories on the region's cultural and historical footprint.

Each episode features SEC sports figures, fans, coaches, and historians, who share their insights into the featured stories. Some of the most prominent figures include Jeff Frez-Albrecht, Herschel Walker, and Terrence Howard. These interviews are brilliantly interwoven with archive footage and animations, so viewers can relive the moments and gain knowledge.

Fans of sports history are left with a lot to enjoy from the first episode of SEC Storied. The series started with a bang with an exciting feature on the 1970 Ole Miss Rebels football squad. It’s a team whose story has long been forgotten or neglected, despite its 10-2 record and a 48-22 victory over Georgia Tech in the Peach Bowl. This particular episode, however, brought its glory days back to life.

Jeff Frez-Albrecht, a former Ole Miss kicker turned golf coach, was one of the central figures in this episode. He provides insight into the team's unity and chemistry, two factors that played a vital role in their success. Albrecht shares how his coach, John Vaught, instilled values in the team that helped sustain the era of egg-shaped ball dominance in Oxford.

In another episode, "Miracles on the Plains," SEC Storied delves into the legendary Auburn-Alabama rivalry that delivered one of the most unforgettable finishes in college football history. Fans of SEC football are familiar with the story, but through the eyes of Terrence Howard and other prominent figures, they gain a new appreciation of the game and an insight into the build-up to "The Kick Six" moment.

When it comes to players' stories, Herschel Walker's experience is an excellent example of the payoff of the SEC Storied format. The episode "Herschel Walker: Breaking Free" follows the Georgia Bulldogs running back from his humble upbringing to his incredible college career, then to his pro-football days, and beyond.

Walker's experiences and achievements inspired many, with the 1980 national championship season marking one of the high points. The episode tells a fascinating story of how Walker broke college football records and became a role model for others.

Another great example of SEC Storied is "Starr: The Walk-On QB." It is a story of Tony Nathan, an under-looked Alabama football player from a small town in Alabama. It tells his story of coming of age and working hard to succeed. He eventually became one of the most prominent running backs in Alabama history, playing alongside other legends like Joe Namath and Bear Bryant.

These stories, along with other episodes from SEC Storied, sustained fans' interest in the series. Some fans received more episodes catering to their areas of interest, like "Bo, Barkley and The Big Hurt"—a story around Auburn greats, Bo Jackson, Charles Barkley, and Frank Thomas. It’s an episode that offers insight into three legends, their alma mater, and their impact on the SEC brand.

In summary, SEC Storied is a captivating series that fans of SEC sports—not forgetting lovers of sports history—should watch. The insights shared in the series provide a deeper knowledge of the performance of players and teams that have emerged from the Southeastern Conference. The invited guests—players, fans, coaches, and historic experts—ensure that each episode is both interesting and informative. The animation illustrations and archive footage, seamlessly woven into the storytelling, make the viewing experience fun and fascinating.

SEC Storied is a series that is currently running and has 13 seasons (43 episodes). The series first aired on September 7, 2011.