Robert Alford addresses the media during the Super Bowl LI press conference on February 2, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Getty)
Robert Alford, 28-year-old cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons, will play in the Superbowl tonight, four years after being drafted to the team.
Alford is from Hammond, Louisiana; he is 5’10” and weighs 186 pounds. According to The New Orelans Advocate, his teammates nicknamed him Rocky, and he has since been described as Atlanta’s version of the famous Slyvester Stallone character.
Here’s what you need to know about Alford ahead of the big game.
1. He Played Football for Hammond High Magnet School
Robert Alford speaks with the media during Super Bowl 51 Opening Night at Minute Maid Park on January 30, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Getty)
Robert Alford was born in Hammond, Louisiana, and he attended Hammond High Magnet School in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana.
According to Lion Sports, Alford was a wide receiver for the Hammond football team, and he was chosen as the team’s Rookie of the Year during his sophomore year. He caught 10 touchdown passes during his senior year.
Outside of football, Alford also played on Hammond High’s track and field team. At the Louisiana 5A State Championships in 2008, he placed seventh in the 400 meter dash and sixth in the long jump, according to Athletic.net.
2. He Played for the Southeastern Louisiana Lions
Robert Alford of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to tackle Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22nd, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty)
After graduating from Hammond High Magnet School, Robert Alford enrolled in Southeastern Louisiana University and played for the university’s football team, the Southeastern Louisiana Lions.
During the 2009 season, he started nine out of 10 games and finished with 46 tackles, including 35 solo tackles. An injury forced him to miss the 2010 season, but in 2011, he returned to the field and started all 11 games. He finished that season with 52 tackles, including 45 solo tackles. He also recorded the third-longest interception in the history of Southeastern Louisiana University with a 64-yard interception during a game against UCA.
3. He Was Drafted to the Atlanta Falcons in 2013
Robert Alford looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 11th, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty)
During the 2013 NFL Draft, Robert Alford was drafted to the Atlanta Falcons; he was the 60th overall pick, being selected in the second round.
“It’s real big,” Alford told The Times-Picayune at the time. “That’s one thing I’ve said since I stepped foot at Southeastern Louisiana University. Just to be able to be drafted, I’m pretty sure it gives the younger guys there more encouragement that they can play at the next level. They do have talent at the small schools like Southeastern Louisiana University.”
According to ESPN, during his first season, Alford finished with 40 combined tackles, including 28 total tackles and 12 assisted tackles. The following year, during the 2014 season, he finished with 31 combined tackles, including 24 total tackles and seven assisted tackles. NFL.com referred to this year as “disastrous” for Alford.
In 2015, Alford finished with 53 combined tackles, including 45 total tackles and eight assisted tackles. He also recorded a 59-yard interception return. And during the 2016 regular season, Alford recorded 61 combined tackles, including 50 total tackles and 11 assisted tackles.
4. He Signed a $38 Million Contract With the Atlanta Falcons in 2016
Robert Alford of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after a pass against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 26, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Getty)
Robert Alford recently extended his contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
According to ESPN, Alford’s new contract ends in 2020, it is worth $38 million, and it includes $28 million guaranteed. He was the second player to have his contract with the Falcons extended that year after Ryan Schraeder.
Alford said at the time that he was excited to stay on with the Falcons.
“It feels good,” Alford told ESPN. “It feels good to be in the same place. I love it here. I love the coaching staff. I love Coach [Dan] Quinn. Just for them to give me the extension, I’m very blessed. That’s all I can say.”
Alford’s agent added that Alford hopes to be a Falcon for life.
5. His Older Brother Played for the New Orleans Saints
Robert Alford of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before the preseason NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 28, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Getty)
Robert Alford is not the first member of his family to play for the NFL.
His older brother is Fred Booker, who played for the New Orleans Saints during the 2005. He also previously played for Louisiana State University.
Alford says that he was inspired by his brother, and that his brother believed that he too could be drafted to the NFL.
“My older brother who played in the NFL always told me it didn’t matter where you go, you could go to an NAIA school but as long as you have talent the scouts will always find you,” Alford told The Times-Picayune. “That’s just something that stuck with me throughout my career and look now I’m here. I’ve got one more step to prove that I can play.”