Donell James "D. J." Alexander (born Donell James Welch; September 30, 1991) is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.[1] He played college football for Oregon State.
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| Position: | Outside linebacker | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born: | (1991-09-30) September 30, 1991 (age 30) Palm Desert, California | ||||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 233 lb (106 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Palm Desert (Palm Desert, California) | ||||||||||
| College: | Oregon State | ||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2015 / Round: 5 / Pick: 172 | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
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| Roster status: | Active | ||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
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| Player stats at NFL.com · PFR | |||||||||||
Alexander 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]
Alexander was drafted 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. 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 year by playing 16 games with one start. He was named to his first Pro Bowl as a special teamer.[3]
On July 28, 2017, Alexander was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Kevin Pierre-Louis.[4]
On September 1, 2018, Alexander was waived by the Seahawks.[5]
On September 2, 2018, Alexander was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles.[6]
On May 1, 2019, Alexander signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.[7] He was placed on injured reserve on October 22, 2019 with a foot injury.[8]
In 2012, he legally changed his last name from Welch to Alexander, in honor of his stepfather.[2]
Kansas City Chiefs 2015 NFL draft selections | |
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