Position: Outside linebacker Name D. Alexander Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | Weight: 233 lb (106 kg) Founder David Alexander High school: Palm Desert (CA) | |
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Date of birth: (1991-09-30) September 30, 1991 (age 24) Place of birth: Palm Desert, California Role Property management company Founded 1982, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Profiles | ||
Headquarters Edinburgh, United Kingdom | ||
Donell James "D. J." Alexander (born Donell James Welch; September 30, 1991) is an American football linebacker and special teamer for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played college football for Oregon State.
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College career
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
Kansas City Chiefs
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.
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 tackle. He was named to his first Pro Bowl.
Seattle Seahawks
On July 28, 2017, Alexander was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Kevin Pierre-Louis.
Personal life
In 2012, he legally changed his last name from Welch to Alexander, in honor of his stepfather. He married his wife, Sam, on July 17, 2016.