Jaire Alexander

Jaire Alexander

Alexander with the Packers in 2019
No. 23 – Green Bay Packers
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1997-02-09) February 9, 1997 (age 27) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	196 lb (89 kg)
Career information
High school:	Rocky River (Mint Hill, North Carolina)
College:	Louisville (2015–2017)
NFL draft:	2018  / Round: 1 / Pick: 18
Career history
Green Bay Packers (2018–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
2× Second-team All-Pro (2020, 2022) 2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2022) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018) Second team All-ACC (2016)
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles: 271 Sacks: 1.5 Forced fumbles: 3 Fumble recoveries: 3 Pass deflections: 63 Interceptions: 10
Player stats at NFL.com  ·  PFR

Jaire Zakar Alexander (born February 9, 1997) is an American football cornerback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Louisville, and was selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Early years

Alexander was born in Philadelphia, before moving to the Charlotte area as a toddler. ^[1] Alexander attended Rocky River High School in Mint Hill, North Carolina. While there, he played high school football for the Ravens. ^[2] He originally committed to the University of South Carolina to play college football but changed his commitment to the University of Louisville. ^[3]

College career

Alexander played at Louisville from 2015 to 2017 under head coach Bobby Petrino. ^[4] During his career, he had 77 tackles and seven interceptions. For the 2016 season, he was named Second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference. After his junior season in 2017, he decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL draft. He decided not to play in the 2017 TaxSlayer Bowl with the rest of the Louisville team due to persistent injury issues during the season. ^{[5] [6]}

College statistics

Season	GP	Tackles					Interceptions					Fumbles
		Solo	Ast	Cmb	TfL	Sck	Int	Yds	Avg	TD	PD	FR	FF
2015	10	14	5	19	0.0	0.0	1	5	5.0	0	2	0	0
2016	13	31	8	39	1.0	0.0	5	37	7.4	0	9	1	1
2017	6	30	6	19	1.0	0.0	1	0	0.0	0	4	0	0
Career	29	58	19	77	2.0	0.0	7	42	6.0	0	15	1	1
Source: sports-reference.com

Professional career

Pre-draft

On December 22, 2017, Alexander announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. As a result of his decision, he chose not to play in the TaxSlayer Bowl. ^[7] He attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and completed all of the combine and positional drills. Among cornerbacks, Alexander finished third in the short shuttle, finished fifth in the three-cone drill, finished sixth in the 40-yard dash, and tied for fourth in the broad jump. ^[8] On March 29, 2018, Alexander participated at Louisville's pro day, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Alexander was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the top cornerback prospect in the draft by NFL analyst Mike Mayock and was ranked the third best cornerback by DraftScout.com. ^{[9] [10]}

External videos
Jaire Alexander's NFL Combine workout
Alexander runs a 4.38s 40-yard dash

Pre-draft measurables

Height	Weight	Arm length	Hand span	40-yard dash	10-yard split	20-yard split	20-yard shuttle	Three-cone drill	Vertical jump	Broad jump	Bench press
5 ft 10+1⁄4 in (1.78 m)	196 lb (89 kg)	31+1⁄8 in (0.79 m)	9+1⁄2 in (0.24 m)	4.38 s	1.52 s	2.55 s	3.98 s	6.71 s	35 in (0.89 m)	10 ft 7 in (3.23 m)	14 reps
All values are from NFL Combine [11] [12]

External videos
Packer draft Jaire Alexander 18th overall

2018

The Green Bay Packers selected Alexander in the first round (18th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. ^[13] The Packers traded their first (27th overall), third (76th overall), and sixth round picks (186th overall) to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for their first (18th overall) and seventh round picks (248th overall) in order to draft Alexander 18th overall. ^{[14] [15]} On May 15, 2018, the Packers signed Alexander to a fully guaranteed four-year, $12.05 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $6.84 million. ^{[16] [17]}

Alexander in 2018

Throughout training camp, Alexander competed to be a starting cornerback against Davon House, Tramon Williams, Kevin King, and Josh Jackson. ^[18] Head coach Mike McCarthy named Alexander the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to start the regular season, behind House, King, and Williams. ^[19]

He made his professional regular season debut in the Packers' season-opener against the Chicago Bears and recorded three solo tackles during their 24–23 victory. ^[20] On September 16, 2018, Alexander recorded eight combined tackles and was credited with half a sack during a 29–29 tie with the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 2. ^[21] During the fourth quarter, Alexander intercepted a pass by Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, but the play was negated due to a roughing the passer call on teammate Clay Matthews III. ^[22] On September 30, 2018, Alexander made one tackle, broke up a pass, and made his first career interception during a 22–0 win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4. ^[23] Alexander intercepted a pass attempt by Bills' quarterback Josh Allen, that was intended for wide receiver Zay Jones, during the second quarter. ^[24] Alexander was inactive for two games (Weeks 5–6) due to a groin injury. ^[25] As a rookie, Alexander played in 13 games and started 11. He recorded .5 sacks, 66 total tackles, one interception, and 11 passes defended. ^[26]

2019

In week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys, Alexander recorded his first interception of the season off Dak Prescott and returned it for 37 yards in the 34–24 win. ^[27] In week 15 against the Bears, Alexander recorded eight tackles and intercepted a pass thrown by Mitch Trubisky during the 21–13 win. ^[28] In the 2019 season, Alexander started in all 16 regular season games and both postseason games for the Packers. He recorded 51 total tackles, two interceptions, 17 passes defended, and one forced fumble. ^[29]

2020

In Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, Alexander sacked quarterback Kirk Cousins in the endzone for a safety and later intercepted a pass thrown by Cousins during the 43–34 victory. ^[30] He finished the 2020 season with one sack, 51 total tackles, one interception, 13 passes defended, and one forced fumble. ^[31] During the 2020–21 season, he made his first Pro Bowl as a starter for the NFC. ^[32] On January 8, 2021, he made the 2020 All-Pro Team second-team. ^[33] He finished the 2020 season as the NFL's No. 1 cornerback as ranked by Pro Football Focus. ^[34]

In the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams, Alexander became the only cornerback since 2006 to allow negative yards in a playoff game (−3 yards). ^[35] In the NFC Championship against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Alexander intercepted two passes thrown by Tom Brady during the 31–26 loss. ^[36] He was ranked 41st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021. ^[37]

2021

On April 26, 2021, the Packers exercised the fifth-year option on Alexander's contract, worth a guaranteed $13.3 million for the 2022 season. ^{[38] [39]} Alexander was placed on injured reserve on October 9, 2021, after suffering a shoulder injury in a Week 4 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. ^[40] Packers' medical staff held off on a possible season-ending surgery to repair the sprain, and after 2 months on the IR list, the Packers designated Alexander to return to practice on December 8, 2021. ^[41] He was activated on December 29. On January 2, 2022, the Packers placed Alexander on the COVID-19/Reserve list. ^[42] He was activated off the list on January 7, but due to a lack of conditioning it was announced that he would miss the Packers' final regular season game against the Detroit Lions on January 9. ^[43] He was officially designated as questionable to play for the Packers' Divisional Round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. He would play, but didn't record a stat in the 10–13 loss. ^[44]

2022

On May 18, 2022, Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension with the Packers through the 2026 season. ^{[45] [46]} In December, he was named to the 2023 Pro Bowl. ^[47] He finished the 2022 season with 56 total tackles, five interceptions, and 14 passes defended in 16 appearances and starts. ^[48] He was ranked 26th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023. ^[49]

2023

On December 24, 2023, Alexander, who was not designated as a team captain during their Week 16 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, chose to participate in the coin toss, call the toss, and then incorrectly told the referee that he wanted the Packers to be on defense, potentially forcing Green Bay to kick off to start both halves. ^[50] A captain may only select whether they want to receive or kick, or which goal to defend, or, in the absence of a choice, defer such choice to the second half. ^[51] He was later suspended for conduct detrimental to the team by the Packers for their Week 17 matchup against the Vikings. ^[52]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	Sfty	PD	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	FF	FR
2018	GB	13	11	66	61	5	0.5	0	11	1	27	27.0	27	0	0	2
2019	GB	16	16	58	50	8	0.0	0	17	2	37	18.5	37	0	1	1
2020	GB	15	15	51	40	11	1.0	1	13	1	−4	−4.0	−4	0	1	0
2021	GB	4	4	13	9	4	0.0	0	3	1	30	30.0	30	0	0	0
2022	GB	16	16	56	43	13	0.0	0	14	5	59	11.8	29	0	0	0
2023	GB	7	7	27	23	4	0.0	0	5	0	0	0.0	0	0	1	0
Career		71	69	271	226	45	1.5	1	63	10	149	14.9	37	0	3	3
Source: pro-football-reference.com

Postseason

Year	Team	Games		Tackles				Interceptions						Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	PD	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TDs	FF	FR
2019	GB	2	2	12	10	2	0.0	1	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0
2020	GB	2	2	4	3	1	0.0	3	2	16	8.0	16	0	0	0
2021	GB	1	0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0
2023	GB	2	2	12	7	5	0.0	1	1	0	0.0	0	0	0	0
Career		7	6	28	20	8	0.0	5	3	16	5.3	16	0	0	0
Source: pro-football-reference.com

References

1. "About – Jaire Alexander" . Retrieved August 19, 2023.
2. Morgan, Emmanuel (July 25, 2017). "Defensive back finds stardom at Louisville, but Charlotte still tugs at his heart". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
3. Connolly, Matt (July 13, 2017). "All-ACC CB Jaire Alexander details why he is at Louisville and not USC". The State. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
4. Lourim, Jake (September 18, 2017). "Petrino 'encouraged' by Jaire Alexander's progress, but no update on his status". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
5. Adelson, Andrea (December 22, 2017). "Louisville CB Jaire Alexander enters draft, won't play in TaxSlayer Bowl". ESPN. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
6. Estes, Gentry (December 22, 2017). "Louisville football's Jaire Alexander declares for 2018 NFL draft, won't play in TaxSlayer Bowl". Courier-Journal. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
7. Adelson, Andrea (December 22, 2017). "Louisville CB Jaire Alexander enters draft, won't play in TaxSlayer Bowl". ESPN. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
8. "2018 NFL Combine Results". National Football League. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
9. "*Jaire Alexander, DS #3 CB, Louisville". draftscout.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
10. "Mike Mayock's 2018 NFL Draft top 100 prospect rankings". National Football League. April 24, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
11. "NFL Draft & Combine Profile – Jaire Alexander". National Football League. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
12. "Jaire Alexander – Louisville, CB : 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". DraftScout.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
13. "2018 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
14. "Packers draft Jaire Alexander at No. 18 after trading up". National Football League. April 26, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
15. Spofford, Mike (April 26, 2018). "Packers trade up, select Louisville CB Jaire Alexander". Packers.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
16. "Spotrac.com: Jaire Alexander contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
17. "Packers sign 2018 first-round pick Jaire Alexander". National Football League. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
18. Finup, Cole (May 5, 2018). "A Look at the Green Bay Packers Cornerback Competition". Last Word on Pro Football. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
19. "Packers 2018 Depth Chart is Out". TotalPackers.com. September 5, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
20. "Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – September 9th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
21. "Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – September 16th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
22. "Jaire Alexander INT gets called back for Matthews roughing passer penalty". NFL.com. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
23. "Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers – September 30th, 2018". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
24. Easterling, Luke (September 30, 2018). "WATCH: Jaire Alexander picks off fellow 1st-round pick Josh Allen". USA Today. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
25. Kruse, Zach (September 30, 2018). "Packers WR Geronimo Allison, CB Jaire Alexander exit with injuries". Packers Wire. USA Today. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
26. "Jaire Alexander 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
27. "Rodgers, Packers rule at home of Cowboys again in 34–24 win". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 6, 2019. Retrieved October 6, 2019.
28. "Jones scores twice, Packers complete season sweep of Bears". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
29. "Jaire Alexander 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
30. "Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – September 13th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
31. "Jaire Alexander 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
32. Around the NFL Staff. "NFL reveals complete AFC, NFC rosters for 2021 Pro Bowl". National Football League. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
33. "2020 NFL All-Pro Team Roster". Associated Press News. January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
34. PFF [@PFF] (January 8, 2021). "Jaire Alexander: PFF's highest-graded CB of 2020 (90.5) #AllProSnub https://t.co/sRDfFOlsUh" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 22, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2021– via Twitter.
35. PFF [@PFF] (January 19, 2021). "Jaire Alexander: the only CB since 2006 to allow NEGATIVE yards in a playoff game – 3 yards allowed vs. Rams 🤯 🔒 https://t.co/Lzl0QlaRrv" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 29, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2021– via Twitter.
36. "NFC Championship – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers – January 24th, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
37. "2021 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
38. Williams, Charean (April 26, 2021). "Packers expect to exercise fifth-year option on Jaire Alexander". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
39. Zucker, Joseph (April 26, 2021). "Jaire Alexander's 5th-Year Contract Option Expected to Be Picked Up by Packers". Bleacher Report . Retrieved August 20, 2023.
40. "Packers place CB Jaire Alexander on injured reserve". Packers.com. October 9, 2021. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
41. "Packers' Jaire Alexander: Should return to practice". CBSSports.com. December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
42. Kruse, Zach (January 3, 2022). "Packers place CB Jaire Alexander on COVID-19 reserve list". Packers Wire. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
43. Huber, Bill (January 7, 2022). "Alexander Clears COVID Protocol But Out vs. Lions". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
44. Hodkiewicz, Wes (January 20, 2022). "Packers list CB Jaire Alexander, T David Bakhtiari as questionable I Packers-49ers injury report". Packers.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
45. Siegle, Evan (May 18, 2022). "Packers sign CB Jaire Alexander to contract extension". Packers.com. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
46. Silverstein, Tom (May 19, 2022). "Jaire Alexander contract extension with Green Bay Packers includes salary cap-friendly 2022". Packers News. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
47. "Packers CB Jaire Alexander named to the Pro Bowl". Packers.com. December 19, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
48. "Jaire Alexander 2022 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
49. "2023 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
50. Demovsky, Rob (December 27, 2023). "Pack suspend Alexander for crashing coin toss". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
51. "2023 NFL Rulebook | NFL Football Operations". operations.nfl.com. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
52. "Packers place CB Jaire Alexander on reserve/suspended list". Packers.com. December 27, 2023.

External links

• Green Bay Packers bio
• Louisville Cardinals bio