Donell James Alexander (born Donell James Welch; September 30, 1991) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft.[1]
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | September 30, 1991 Palm Desert, California, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 233 lb (106 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Palm Desert | ||||||||
| College: | Oregon State (2011–2014) | ||||||||
| NFL draft: | 2015 / round: 5 / pick: 172 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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College career
editAlexander was recruited to Oregon State and grayshirted his freshman year to focus on academics. He ended up becoming a three-year starter for the Beavers. He was frequently injured as a junior and underwent a neck surgery after the season. Alexander enjoyed a bounce-back senior year, recording 70 tackles with 12 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2014[2]
Professional career
editKansas City Chiefs
editAlexander was selected in the fifth round with the 172nd pick of the 2015 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs despite not being invited to the NFL combine.[3] A good showing at Oregon State pro day prompted the Chiefs to select him.[2]
As a rookie in 2015, Alexander played all 16 games making 16 tackles and a forced fumble.
Having little expectations at regular snaps, Alexander performed better at special teams. He finished the 2016 season by playing 16 games with one start. He was named to his first Pro Bowl as a special teamer.[4]
Seattle Seahawks
editOn July 28, 2017, Alexander was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Kevin Pierre-Louis.[5]
On September 1, 2018, Alexander was waived by the Seahawks.[6]
Philadelphia Eagles
editOn September 2, 2018, Alexander was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles.[7]
Jacksonville Jaguars
editOn May 1, 2019, Alexander signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.[8] He was placed on injured reserve on October 22, 2019 with a foot injury.[9]
Personal life
editIn 2012, he legally changed his last name from Welch to Alexander, in honor of his stepfather.[2]
References
edit- ^ Palmer, Tod (May 2, 2015). "Chiefs take Oregon State linebacker D.J. Alexander in fifth round of NFL Draft". Kansas City Star. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c John, Andrew L. (May 5, 2015). "Former Palm Desert star D.J. Alexander drafted by Chiefs". The Desert Sun. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
- ^ "2015 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
- ^ "D.J. Alexander added to 2017 Pro Bowl". foxsports.com. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
- ^ "Kansas City and Seattle agree to trade linebackers". NFL.com. July 28, 2017. Archived from the original on July 28, 2017.
- ^ "Seahawks Set 53-Man Roster". Seahawks.com. September 1, 2018.
- ^ McPherson, Chris (September 2, 2018). "Eagles Claim LB D.J. Alexander Off Waivers". PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
- ^ "Jaguars sign three linebackers to offseason roster". Jaguars.com. May 1, 2019. Archived from the original on May 1, 2019. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
- ^ "Jaguars Sign Two Linebackers to Active Roster". Jaguars.com. October 22, 2019.