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Veteran linebacker Lorenzo Alexander is a leader on the playing field, earning the right to don the game-day “C” on his jersey each week as one of the captains of the Buffalo Bills.
Off the field, Alexander’s charitable efforts have earned him recognition as one of 10 finalists for the 30th annual Athletes in Action Bart Starr Award. Each NFL team has one player nominated for the award, which is given to a NFL athlete whose impact on the field is equally matched by his positive presence and contributions in the home and as a leader in the community.
Alexander, an 11th-year veteran out of the University of California, is one of the most respected leaders in the Bills’ locker room. He has appeared in 12 games (nine starts), amassing 63 tackles (49 solo, 14 assisted) with three sacks. He has also forced four fumbles.
Through his efforts off the playing field, Alexander has served as a positive role model, inspiring others to make a difference in their community.
Alexander founded the ACES foundation, which promotes a healthy mind and body through sports while supporting accountability, education, and community mindedness in youth. He’s very active in the local community, and raised money for the Make LemonAide Foundation for cerebral palsy with 26Shirts.
Voted on by NFL players around the League, the 2018 Bart Starr Award winner will be announced at the Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast, held on Saturday, Feb. 3 in Minneapolis, Minn., the day before Super Bowl LII.
The full list of finalists includes TE Benjamin Watson (Baltimore Ravens), LB Sam Acho (Chicago Bears), DE Calais Campbell (Jacksonville Jaguars), RB Matt Forte (New York Jets), T Andrew Whitworth (Los Angeles Rams), OL Joe Thomas (Cleveland Browns), QB Philip Rivers (Los Angeles Chargers), QB Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals), and QB Colt McCoy (Washington Redskins).
Alexander is hoping to join London Fletcher, Troy Vincent, and current defensive backs coach Gill Byrd as Bart Starr Award winners with ties to the Buffalo Bills.