A tragic week for Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander sparked an incredible performance, and it has secured for him the recognition he deserves.
Alexander has been named the NFC’s defensive player of the week, after racking up 11 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in Tampa Bay’s overtime win in Atlanta. (Another interception and a long return was wiped out by a penalty.)
On Friday night, Alexander’s 17-year-old brother, Broderick Taylor II, was shot and killed. Coach Lovie Smith gave Alexander the option to skip the game, but Alexander decided that his brother would have wanted Alexander to play.
“I just did it all for him,” Alexander said after the game.
A rookie fourth-rounder, Alexander has started all seven games this season. On Tuesday’s PFT Live on NBC Sports Radio, linebacker Lavonte David discussed Alexander’s performance and other topics relating to the 3-4 Buccaneers.