Shaun Alexander

Shaun Alexander
Name	Shaun Alexander
Position	Running back
Number	37
Birth date	November 30, 1977
Birth place	Florence, Kentucky, U.S.
Weight lb	224
College	University of Alabama
Nfl drafted year	2000
Nfl drafted pick	19
Past teams	Seattle Seahawks (2000–2008), Washington Redskins (2009)
Highlights	NFL Most Valuable Player (2005); NFL rushing leader (2005); Offensive Player of the Year (2005)

Shaun Alexander is a former American professional football running back who played primarily for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League in the 2000s. He rose from a standout career at the University of Alabama to become one of the most productive rushers of his era, earning league honors including the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and leading the league in rushing in 2005. Alexander combined power and vision to help the Seahawks reach Super Bowl XL and left a lasting impact on franchise history and NFL records.

Early life and high school

Alexander was born in Florence, Kentucky and grew up in a family that moved to Ellisville, Mississippi during his youth. He attended Jackson Preparatory School in Jackson, Mississippi where he played high school football and established himself as a top recruit, earning statewide recognition and selection to regional all-star teams. As a prep standout he attracted offers from major programs including Florida State University, University of Florida, and the University of Alabama, ultimately committing to the Tide under head coach Gene Stallings.

College career

At the University of Alabama, Alexander played for the Alabama Crimson Tide football program, contributing as a bruising short-yardage back and developing into a three-year starter under coaches Gene Stallings and Mike DuBose. He was part of Alabama teams that competed in the Southeastern Conference and appeared in postseason games such as the 1998 Music City Bowl and the 1999 Independence Bowl. Alexander earned All-SEC recognition and finished his collegiate career ranked highly on Alabama’s rushing lists, drawing praise from NFL scouts for his combination of size, running style, and blocking ability in run-oriented schemes.

NFL career

Selected in the first round, 19th overall, of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Alexander began his professional career backing up veteran backs before becoming the Seahawks’ feature runner. Working under head coaches Mike Holmgren and offensive coordinators such as Steve Sarkisian, he became the centerpiece of the Seattle offense. In 2001 and 2003 he led the team in rushing, but his breakout season arrived in 2005 when he won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award and the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award after leading the league in rushing with 1,880 yards and setting the single-season touchdown record with 28 rushing touchdowns. Alexander helped the Seahawks reach Super Bowl XL following the 2005 season, a game in which they faced the Pittsburgh Steelers coached by Bill Cowher and lost in Detroit. Later seasons were affected by a chronic foot injury and surgical procedures, and after a final brief stint with the Washington Redskins in 2009 he retired from professional play.

Playing style and achievements

Alexander combined the traits of a power back and an elusive inside runner, frequently praised for his lower-body strength, balance, and ability to break tackles against defenses like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a key part of Mike Holmgren’s run-oriented attack and excelled in short-yardage and goal-line situations, converting critical fourth-down and touchdown opportunities. His 2005 season included milestones recognized by the Associated Press and the Pro Football Writers of America, earning first-team Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro selections. Alexander’s work ethic and film-study habits were noted by teammates such as Matt Hasselbeck and coaches including Holmgren.

Personal life and post-retirement

Off the field, Alexander has been involved in charitable activities and community outreach in the Seattle metropolitan area and in Alabama, partnering with local organizations and youth programs. After retirement he pursued business ventures and public speaking engagements, appeared in media as an analyst and commentator on NFL Network-adjacent programming, and participated in alumni events for the Seahawks and the Crimson Tide. Alexander has also focused on family life and has been cited making appearances at charity galas and high school football ceremonies in the Pacific Northwest and the Deep South.

Records and legacy

Alexander’s 28 rushing touchdowns in 2005 set an NFL single-season rushing touchdowns record at the time and cemented his place in Seahawks history alongside franchise leaders such as Steve Largent and Ken Behring-era figures in team lore. He retired ranking among the Seahawks’ all-time leaders in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, and he is frequently mentioned in discussions of the greatest running backs of the 2000s alongside contemporaries like LaDainian Tomlinson, Edgerrin James, and Adrian Peterson. His MVP season remains a benchmark for single-season excellence and has been referenced in analyses by sports media outlets including ESPN and the Associated Press when comparing elite rushing campaigns. Alexander’s influence persists in Seahawks franchise history, team halls of fame, and fan memory.

Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:Seattle Seahawks players Category:American football running backs Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football players