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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.
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.
“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.
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.
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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.”
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.
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.”
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