John Alexander (defensive end)

John Wesley Alexander is an American former professional football defensive end who played two seasons with the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was selected by the Dolphins in the 11th round of the 1977 NFL draft after playing college football at Rutgers.

Early life and college

John Wesley Alexander was born on November 12, 1955, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He attended Plainfield High School in Plainfield, New Jersey.
Alexander was a four-year letterman for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University from 1973 to 1976. He earned Associated Press second-team All-East honors in 1975. In 1976, he was named first-team All-East by both United Press International and the AP. Alexander was inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992.

Professional career

Alexander was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 11th round, with the 291st overall pick, of the 1977 NFL draft. He was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list on July 13. He was activated on October 29, 1977, and played in four games for the Dolphins during the 1977 season. Alexander was released on August 29, 1978. He was re-signed on October 4, 1978, and appeared in eight games that year. He was released again on August 21, 1979.
Alexander signed with the Washington Redskins on April 8, 1980. He was released on July 24, 1980.