 sent back the first close-up pictures of the planet Mars. John Stallworth, 62 years old today, football standout with Alabama A&M and former NFL wide receiver who played 14 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1974 until 1987. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. Jeremiah Denton, born in the state in 1924, United States Rear Admiral and politician who served Alabama as a United States Senator from 1981 to 1987.