Just 48 Hours After His Brother’s Passing, NFL’s Kwon Alexander Has Career Night!

,

kwon-alexander-falcons-gameball OT_399524_DAMA_2_sp_bucspho.1_16214437_8col

Kwon Alexander is a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He officially became a part of the team during the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

On November 1, he played the best game of his professional career when he competed against the Atlanta Falcons. For him, it was a game dedicated to his late younger brother Broderick Taylor. 

During the game, he has compiled 11 tackles, a pass knockdown, a forced fumble, and an interception, which all helped defeat Atlanta. At the end of the game, he was awarded the title of NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

c1s_KwonCelebrate110215_16215167_8col

 

 

EP-151109924

Despite the death of his 17-year-old brother who was shot to death after a fight in his hometown in Anniston, Alabama, Alexander managed to still play the game.

i

“It’s been hard, man. He was my little brother, but I know he’d want me to be strong for him, and I came out here and dedicated this game to him. I was very determined because he wanted me to do it. All he wanted me to do is ball, so I dedicated it to him,” said Alexander.

2E0353DE00000578-3299723-image-a-71_1446431547103

 

 

jaMEIS3-820x546

Alexander decided to play the game even though it had only been 48 hours since his little brother’s passing. According to coach Lovie Smith, it was a decision made by Alexander himself.

Kwon 2DC59D9200000578-3299723-image-a-67_1446431433615

 

 

2E04EBE600000578-3299723-image-m-70_1446431526590

Smith explained, “I left it up to him. I can’t imagine losing your 17-year-old brother when you’re that young. Again, football is a haven for you sometimes. It’s a place to go . . . his teammates were there for him, being supportive.”

gamer_16214635_8col USATSI_8897120_168381132_lowres

In an emotional video, Alexander’s teammates spoke of him. Logan Mankins said, “To play under those circumstances, my hat’s off; and to play the way you did, two turnovers, I got a lot of respect for what you did today.”

Jameis Winston also said that the entire Tampa Bay Buccaneers team dedicated the game to Alexander and his family. “Amazing man. We did it for Kwon. When a brother goes down, we are our brother’s keeper. We have to be our brother’s keeper,” said Winston.

c7s_Twitter110215_16215487_8col

Alexander was happy that his teammates were there to support him. He thanked them and said, “Just losing my brother, and them being there, my brothers, I appreciate them. It means so much to me that they’re there for me.”

 

 

Check out these videos below.

 

Here are other articles about your favorite NFL stars:

NFL Star gave up $37 Million to feed the Hungry with his Farm

NFL Player Ended his Career to Give His Brother a Kidney

NFL Star Andre Johnson Plays Santa Claus and Buys Toys for Kids