Alec Ogletree facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Alec Ogletree

Ogletree with the Giants in 2018
No. 52, 47, 44
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1991-09-25) September 25, 1991 (age 33) Newnan, Georgia, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	280 lb (127 kg)
Career information
High school:	Newnan
College:	Georgia (2010–2012)
NFL Draft:	2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 30
Career history
St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (2013–2017) New York Giants (2018–2019) New York Jets (2020) Chicago Bears (2021)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Pro (2016) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2013) Second-team All-SEC (2012)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 766 Sacks: 7.5 Forced fumbles: 13 Fumble recoveries: 2 Pass deflections: 61 Interceptions: 12 Defensive touchdowns: 4
Player stats at PFR

Alec Ogletree (born September 25, 1991) is an American former professional football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Georgia. The St. Louis Rams selected him in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. He also played for the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Chicago Bears.

Early Life and High School Sports

Alec Ogletree and his twin brother, Alexander "Zander," were born in Newnan, Georgia. Alec went to Newnan High School. There, he was a star athlete in football, basketball, and track. He was considered one of the top high school football players in the country.

In his sophomore year, Alec blocked six punts in football. He even returned one for a touchdown! As a junior, he had 75 tackles, three interceptions, and six blocked punts. In his senior year, he continued to excel. He made 85 tackles, forced two fumbles, and blocked two kicks on defense. On offense, he caught 33 passes for 633 yards and scored 5 touchdowns.

Alec was also a great track and field athlete. He was one of Georgia's best in the long jump. In 2010, he won the state title in the long jump with a leap of 7.30 meters (about 23 feet, 11 inches). He also ran the 400-meter dash and was part of the 4×100-meter relay team.

After high school, Alec was named an All-American by several groups. In June 2009, he decided to play college football at the University of Georgia. He officially signed with Georgia in February 2010. He chose Georgia over many other top universities. His brother Zander also played football at Georgia.

College Football Career

Alec Ogletree received a scholarship to play for the Georgia Bulldogs football team. He played for coach Mark Richt from 2010 to 2012.

In 2010, after a short suspension, Alec joined the special teams. He slowly earned more playing time as a safety. By the end of the season, he became a starting strong safety for Georgia's last three games.

In 2011, Alec broke his foot early in the season. He missed six games but returned to play against Florida in October. In the 2011 SEC Championship Game against No. 1 LSU, he had 6 tackles and recovered an onside kick. Even with his injury, he finished the 2011 season with 52 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in just over eight games.

Professional Football Career

St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams

2013 Season: Rookie Year

The St. Louis Rams picked Alec Ogletree in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. He was the 30th player chosen overall. In July 2013, the Rams signed him to a four-year contract.

Ogletree with the Rams in 2013

Coach Jeff Fisher named Alec a starting outside linebacker right away. He played his first professional game against the Arizona Cardinals. He made seven tackles and forced a fumble. In Week 6, he had ten tackles, forced a fumble, and scored his first career touchdown by returning an interception 98 yards! He also got his first sack in Week 14. Alec finished his rookie season in 2013 with 117 tackles, ten pass deflections, six forced fumbles, and a touchdown. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, which honors the best new players.

2014 Season

Alec continued as a starting outside linebacker for the Rams. In Week 3, he made ten solo tackles against the Dallas Cowboys. He had a great game in Week 11 against the Denver Broncos, making 13 tackles and intercepting a pass from quarterback Peyton Manning. He started all 16 games in 2014. He finished the season with 111 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and two interceptions.

2015 Season: Injury Setback

Alec remained the starting weakside linebacker. In Week 2, he made a season-high 16 tackles. In Week 4, he recorded two sacks against the Pittsburgh Steelers, his first game with multiple sacks. However, he broke his fibula (a bone in his lower leg) in Week 4 and needed surgery. This injury ended his season early. He played in only four games in 2015, recording 42 tackles and two sacks.

2016 Season: Moving to Middle Linebacker

The St. Louis Rams moved to Los Angeles and became the Los Angeles Rams. Coach Jeff Fisher announced that Alec would switch from weakside linebacker to middle linebacker. The Rams also extended his contract. Alec was named the starting middle linebacker.

He started all 16 games in 2016. He had a career-high 136 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions. He finished with the seventh most tackles in the entire league. In Week 15, he intercepted a pass from quarterback Russell Wilson.

2017 Season: Playoff Appearance

The Rams hired Wade Phillips as their new defensive coordinator. Alec and Mark Barron became the starting inside linebackers in the new defense. In October 2017, the Rams signed Alec to a four-year contract extension.

In Week 11, he made 12 tackles against the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 13, he scored his second career touchdown by returning an interception 41 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams had a great season, winning their division. Alec played in 15 games, recording 95 tackles, two sacks, and a touchdown. He started in his first career playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons.

New York Giants

2018 Season

In March 2018, the Rams traded Alec Ogletree to the New York Giants. In Week 13, he had an amazing game against the Chicago Bears. He intercepted quarterback Chase Daniel twice, including one he returned for a touchdown (a "Pick Six").

2019 Season

Alec continued to play for the Giants. In Week 6, he recorded 12 tackles and sacked Tom Brady once against the New England Patriots. In Week 12, he got his first interception of the season against the Chicago Bears. The Giants released him in February 2020.

New York Jets

In September 2020, Alec signed with the New York Jets practice squad. He was later promoted to the main team but was released in October.

Chicago Bears

In August 2021, Alec signed with the Chicago Bears. He reunited with his former Rams teammate, linebacker Robert Quinn. Alec started all 16 games for Chicago in 2021. He made 87 tackles, deflected four passes, and forced a fumble.

On June 21, 2023, Alec Ogletree announced that he was retiring from professional football.

NFL Career Statistics

Personal Life

Alec Ogletree has two older sisters, Allysia Arnold and Amanda Melson. His twin brother, Alexander "Zander" Ogletree, played fullback for the University of Georgia. His brother-in-law is safety Andrew Adams.