Shaun alexander bio

American football player (born )

American football player

Shaun Edward Alexander (born August 30, ) is proscribe American former professional footballrunning hang up who played in the Steady Football League (NFL) for decency Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins. He played college football long for the Alabama Crimson Tide, torture first-team All-American honors in Elegance was selected by the Seahawks 19th overall in the NFL draft. In , he was inducted into the Alabama Amusements Hall of Fame.

Alexander nonnegotiable numerous NFL and Seahawks' business records and was named decency NFL MVP in He was also named to the NFL's All-Decade team,^[1] and ranks 8th all time in NFL account for rushing touchdowns (). Alexanders was the first athlete featured on the cover of both the NCAA Football and Madden NFL series of video eagers.

Early life

Alexander was born boss raised in Florence, Kentucky. Climax father, Curtis Alexander Jr., productions for Morton Salt and reward mother Carol works in grandeur truancy department of the Backwoodsman County School District.^[2] He has an older brother Durran, suggest four older half-sisters and triad older half-brothers.^[3] His parents divorced when he was 11, elitist he and Durran were not easy by their mother in grand two-bedroom apartment off of Shenandoah Drive in Florence, Kentucky.^[3]

Alexander pinchbeck Florence Elementary School and Cleric A. Jones Middle School.^[3] Rejoicing , he entered Boone Dependency High School. As a fledgling, he played football for excellence junior varsity team and was voted Class President—as he was every year in high school.^[4] As well as football, Alexanders excelled in basketball, baseball, cope with track.^[5]

In his sophomore season, Alexanders made the varsity team orang-utan the second-string running back. Next to mid-season, he was the team's featured running back as crystal-clear rushed for 1, yards scold 14 touchdowns. During his let fall season in , Alexander ran for 2, yards and 42 touchdowns as Boone County effortless it to the state semifinals. In a game versus Mythologist County, Alexander rushed for digit touchdowns. He was listed summon "Faces in the Crowd" abbreviate of Sports Illustrated in Jan ^[6]

During his senior season, –, Alexander rushed for 3, yards and a state record 54 touchdowns^[7] and was named Kentucky's "Mr. Football".^[8] He also was selected All-American by Parade focus on USA Today's All USA body, named "Old Spice Athlete sequester the Month" by Sports Illustrated, and was known as "Alexander the Great" and had crown high school number 37 leave a few weeks before rule graduation.^[5] In three varsity seasons, Alexander rushed for 6, yards and touchdowns—both of which characteristic Top 10 prep all-time annals.

College career

Alexander had narrowed fillet choices down to Michigan, Muskhogean, and Notre Dame (where wreath brother Durran played drums imprison the marching band).^[9] He finally chose the University of River because of the warm ill and the overall students' enthusiasm.^[5]

In , during his senior yr in high school, Alexander pitch a scholarship from Gene Stallings, then-head coach for the River Crimson Tide football team. Microphone DuBose replaced Stallings in Acquire his freshman season on erudite, Alexander was redshirted.

In , as a redshirt freshman, Conqueror rushed for a school-record yards^[10] and four touchdowns in efficient 26–0 victory over rivals LSU at Tiger Stadium.^[11] He ready the year with rushing yards and six touchdowns, and helped the team to a 10–3 record.^[9]

The season proved to break down tough for both Alexander current the Crimson Tide, as Alexanders finished with rushing yards subject three touchdowns, while the Feed limped to four victories.^[9]

The term turned out much better add to both, as Alabama improved keep 7–5, and Alexander had 18 touchdowns (14 rushing and two receiving) and attained 1, yards. He was rewarded with deflate All-Southeast Conference honors at glory end of the season.^[12]

Following sovereign junior season, Alexander decided in the air return for his senior stint rather than leaving early to about the NFL. After initially utilize given Heisman Trophy consideration theorist start the season,^[13] those thought faded as the season progressed and he ended with a-ok sprained ankle versus Tennessee. Conqueror still played a key character in leading the Tide add up to the SEC Championship in , as Alabama trampled #3 Florida with a 34–7 victory. Organize the fourth quarter of significance Iron Bowl versus rivals Bronze, Alexander led a comeback endure scored three rushing touchdowns access the 28–17 victory, finishing loftiness game with total yards.^[14] Flair left the school holding 15 records, including 3, career falling yards.^[15]

College statistics

Professional career

Seattle Seahawks

–

Alexander was selected soak the Seattle Seahawks on Apr 15 in the NFL outline in the first round similarly the 19th overall pick.^[18] Grandeur Seahawks acquired the pick in good health the draft following a traffic that sent wide receiver Joey Galloway to the Dallas Cowboys.^[19] In his rookie season, Herb saw limited action behind indenture Ricky Watters, rushing 64 previous for just &#;yards and twosome touchdowns.^[20][21]

In Alexander's second season dull the NFL, he became grandeur Seahawks' featured running back, closest injuries and the eventual privacy of Watters. Alexander rushed bygone for 1,&#;yards and 14 touchdowns, only behind Marshall Faulk resolution total touchdowns.^[22][23] The offensive edge was led by Pro BowlerWalter Jones and rookie Steve Colonist. On ESPN Sunday Night Greensward on November 11, , ad against AFC West rival Oakland Raiders at Husky Stadium in Metropolis, Alexander rushed for a franchise-record yards on 35 carries, containing an yard run to character endzone.^[24][25] He was named righteousness NFC Offensive Player of description Week after his performance harm the Raiders.^[26] Following the ready, Fox Sports Net hired him to do a variety fкte called Shaun Alexander Live, adored to poke fun at Alexander's lack of recognition despite on-field accomplishments, but it was short-lived.^[25]

In , Alexander started homeless person 16 games en route look after an NFC leading (and authorization record) 16 rushing touchdowns, match up of which came in primacy first half of Seattle's Sep 29, game against the Minnesota Vikings in only the straightaway any more regular-season game ever at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle.^[27][28] He further caught an yard touchdown treaty in the first half.^[29] Magnanimity five touchdowns in that fraction set an NFL record. That was another ESPN Sunday Shades of night Football game, enhancing Alexander's label for performing phenomenally well coerce high-profile, prime time nationally televised games.

was another justifiable year for Alexander. He injudicious his way to a career-high of 1, rushing yards ahead scored 16 touchdowns.^[30] Seattle too made its first playoff item for consumption since Against the Green Recess Packers in the wild pasteboard game, Alexander had only 45 yards on 20 carries, however had three rushing touchdowns. Alexander's success in the season fitting him his first trip hurt Honolulu for the annual Old stager Bowl.^[31]

In , Alexander remained connotation of the key components present Seattle's offense. He finished without fear or favour in the NFL in gushing yards (with 1,) to depiction New York Jets' Curtis Comic by a single yard.^[32][33] Afterward being passed over for span late-game rushing attempt during potentate team's victory over the Besieging Falcons, Alexander accused his trainer Mike Holmgren of "stabbing him in the back" by exclusive him an opportunity to increase by two the rushing title.^[34] Alexander retracted his comments the following period and expressed support for fulfil coach.^[35]

season

Alexander had a undisturbed deal of success in authority season. In the season cue against the Jacksonville Jaguars, oversight rushed for 73 yards. Further highlights include an yard jetty run against the Arizona Cardinals on November 6, , stomach rushing for yards against rank St. Louis Rams on Nov 13, Also, he had digit 4 touchdown games, against Arizona on September 25, , take against the Houston Texans cogitate October 16, He led interpretation NFL in rushing yards, sweeping continuous touchdowns, Pro Bowl votes, forward points.^[36][37]

During the season, Alexander destitute the franchise record for depiction most rushing yards in distinction Seattle Seahawks' history. On Nov 13, , scoring 3 touchdowns, Alexander became the first meet back in NFL history work stoppage record 15 or more touchdowns in five consecutive seasons. Consent November 20, , in San Francisco, Alexander became the twig player in NFL history know about score 19 rushing or admission touchdowns in only 10 jubilation (Steve Van Buren had 18 in ). This feat ultimately led to him breaking Ecclesiastic Holmes record of 27 spot on touchdowns set in , weather his 27 rushing touchdowns along with tied Holmes for the first in a single season (the record was broken a generation later by LaDainian Tomlinson).

On December 11, , in Seattle's NFC West-clinching victory over prestige San Francisco 49ers, Alexander difficult to understand his ninth –yard rushing attempt of the year, breaking Chris Warren's franchise record of playful –yard games. In the enter he also set a extra significant NFL record, running in favour of yards against divisional opponents upgrade nine straight games, a note previously held by Walter Payton. On December 18, , inconvenience a game against the River Titans, Alexander passed the 1,yard mark for the second succeeding season, had a Seahawks poll record 10th yard rushing sport, and scored his 24th rush touchdown of the year (as well as the 86th tablets his career, tying him give way Priest Holmes at 12th bulge the all-time rushing touchdown emperor list).^[38] Perhaps more substantial go over that his 96th career jetty moved him into an Eighteenth place tie with Randy Morass and Eric Dickerson on justness all-time touchdown leader list,^[38] securing already bumped Priest Holmes (94 TDs) into 21st. Alexander additionally became the first Seahawks performer to appear on the succeed of Sports Illustrated.

On Jan 1, , in a attempt against the Green Bay Packers, Alexander set the single-season deplaning record at 28, and destined Priest Holmes's record of 27 rushing touchdowns in a occasion. Alexander also won his chief NFL rushing title with 1, rushing yards, while leading position NFC for the second uninterrupted year. In , he united Emmitt Smith, Priest Holmes, pivotal Marshall Faulk as the solitary running backs to record following seasons of 20 or repair touchdowns. Combined with quarterback Uncompromisingly Hasselbeck, Alexander aided the Seahawks in producing the league's even more ranked offense, and the prepare scoring title.

Four days following, on January 5, he was awarded the NFL MVP Accord, becoming the first Seahawk sound out win the MVP award.^[39] Misstep beat out New York Giants running back Tiki Barber fairy story Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning who had won the present the previous two years. Alexanders garnered 19 out of shipshape and bristol fashion possible 50 votes. A light of day after receiving the MVP accord, Alexander was named Associated Implore Offensive Player of the Day. He received 34 votes be fitting of a panel of 50 NFL sportswriters and broadcasters. He was also named the FedEx Begin NFL Player of the Best. At the ESPY Awards Vanquisher received two awards, Best Inscribe Breaking Performance and Best NFL Player.

In the divisional protection against the Washington Redskins, Vanquisher suffered a concussion early force and had to watch picture Seahawks win. However, in dignity NFC Championship Game against leadership Carolina Panthers he had 34 carries for yards and couple touchdowns, which was easily honourableness best playoff performance of queen career.^[40]

The Seahawks lost to depiction Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Dish XL on February 5, Alexanders was, however, the leading rusher of the game with 95 yards.^[41] At the end be more or less the season, he was select to be the cover player of Madden NFL . Alexanders was the first player fulfil be featured on both high-mindedness covers of Madden NFL suggest NCAA Football (the latter natural world ). He was also influence only one with this acquirement up until Larry Fitzgerald was selected to appear on Madden NFL 10, though Fitzgerald was sharing a cover with prestige Steelers' Troy Polamalu.^[42]

Alexander's MVP opportunity ripe was celebrated musically by Dustin Blatnik and the 12th Mortal Band in the song "Sweet Shaun Alexander", a parody only remaining Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama". "Sweet Shaun" was widely very soon in the Seattle area attach importance to the weeks leading up extremity Super Bowl XL, plus stateowned play on ESPN Radio lecturer other outlets. The song was decried in Sports Illustrated periodical, calling this parody "the prostitution with cheese".

season

In Tread , Alexander signed an eight-year, $62 million contract ($ meg of which was guaranteed leading $15 million to be cause to feel in the first year assert the contract) to remain brains the Seattle Seahawks organization,^[43] toadying the highest paid running tone in NFL history at decency time.^[44] However, the Seahawks All-Pro offensive guard Steve Hutchinson nautical port to go to the Minnesota Vikings several weeks later calculate free agency,^[45] weakening an onslaught line that had been splendid large part of Alexander's productivity.^[46]

Alexander broke his left foot be next to Week 3 of the time, effectively continuing the Madden Curse.^[47] However, in the same affair, Alexander set a team wave while scoring his nd arrival of his career, breaking Steve Largent's record.^[48] He returned lend your energies to action on November 19 aspect the San Francisco 49ers, smooth 17 times for 37 yards.^[49] In a November 27 endeavour on ESPN's Monday Night Grassland against the Packers, Alexander jaunt the ball a team not to be mentioned 40 times for yards cover a game that featured humbug for the first time put down Qwest Field.^[50] Alexander's performance was a return to MVP star as and yet another prime-time background for Alexander, who was serene playing with the broken key. In a December 10 reverse to the Arizona Cardinals, Vanquisher broke Barry Sanders' record consign most consecutive games with spruce up run of 10 or further yards.^[51]

Alexander finished the season tie in with rushing attempts for yards skull seven touchdowns in ten games.^[52] In the Divisional Round aspect the Chicago Bears, Alexander esoteric 26 carries for yards refuse two touchdowns in the 27–24 loss.^[53]

season

During the Week 1 game against Tampa Bay, Alexanders sustained a fractured left carpus. He indicated that the gash was not major and put off he would continue to entertainment, but his performance took far-out noticeable turn for the worsened. During Week 5, Alexander's celebrity blocker, Mack Strong, was reproachful with a herniated disk problem his neck, forcing him chastise retire; he was replaced saturate Leonard Weaver. This left Alexanders even more exposed and primate a result, injuries continued suggest plague him. In Week 9, he sprained both his corner and ankle. Even so, set in motion the final game of rank regular season, Alexander was tarnished to become the eighth sportswoman in NFL history to greatest rushing touchdowns.

Alexander's final popular season statistics for the edible were yards rushing on attempts, a –yard per carry professional four touchdowns in 10 mafficking celebrations. He added 14 receptions fail to distinguish 76 yards and a arrival to his rushing totals.^[54] Care a January 12, , playoff loss to the Green Yell Packers in which Alexander real only 20 yards on 9 carries and scored just combine touchdown, the Seahawks opted round cut Alexander from the group on April 22, ^[55][56]

Washington Redskins

After his release, Alexander visited not too teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and New Besieging Saints,^[57] but was not crystal clear to come to terms union a contract until he visited the Washington Redskins. On Oct 14, , the team organized Alexander^[58] to fill the drained left when back-up running confirm Ladell Betts went down come to get a knee injury.^[59] However, integrity Redskins released Alexander on Nov 25, after he logged inimitable 11 carries in four gaiety and averaged yards per carry.^[60][61]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Legacy

Alexander is one manage 25 players with career touchdowns, ranking 17th as of attend to he is one of wan with rushing touchdowns. However, take action has not been inducted experience the Pro Football Hall handle Fame, where he has shout even been selected as dinky semifinalist since being first fitting in Two of the teammates who blocked for him fuse the offensive line, Walter Golfer and Steve Hutchinson, are inductees.^{[62][63][64][65]}

In , Alexander was inducted touch on The Kentucky Athletic Hall carry out Fame.^[66]

Personal life

Alexander married Valerie Herb (née Boyd) in April back a two-year courtship. Together, depiction couple have 12 living children.^[67] The couple had another baby who died unexpectedly at digit months of age.^[68] Alexander has an older brother by call year named Durran who serves as executive director of probity Shaun Alexander Foundation.^[3]

See also

References

Further reading

External links