Hubbard Alexander facts for kids

Hubbard Lindsay Alexander, also known as "Axe", was a famous American football coach. He was born on February 14, 1939, and passed away on August 28, 2016. Coach Alexander achieved great success during his career. He won three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). He also helped the University of Miami win two national championships in college football. Before becoming a coach, he played college football at Tennessee State University.

Hubbard Alexander's Early Life and Sports

Hubbard Alexander grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was a talented athlete at Atkins High School. He played football, basketball, and baseball. In football, he earned a "varsity letter" four times, which means he was a key player for four years. He also earned three letters in basketball and four in baseball.

During his senior year in 1958, Alexander was the captain of both the football and basketball teams. He was recognized as one of the best players in his city and state for football. He also led his basketball team to win the N.C.H.S.A.A. State Championship in the 1956–57 season.

College Football Career

After high school, Alexander went to Tennessee State University. He played as a center for the Tennessee State Tigers football team. He earned a letter in his first year and became a starter for the next three years.

Alexander was a very strong player. He was named to the All-Midwestern Conference team in both his junior and senior years. In his senior year, he was even honored as an All-American player. He was also a team captain for three years in a row. In 1962, he graduated with a degree in Health and Physical Education.

Hubbard Alexander's Coaching Journey

Hubbard Alexander started his coaching career right after college. He was a graduate assistant coach at Tennessee State from 1962 to 1963. He then coached high school football in different places. He coached at George Washington High School in Chicago, Illinois, from 1963 to 1965. After that, he coached at Lester High School in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1966 to 1970. From 1971 to 1974, he was the head coach and athletic director at East High School in Memphis.

Coaching in College and the NFL

Alexander then moved on to coach college football. He coached the defensive line and tight ends for the Vanderbilt Commodores from 1975 to 1978. He then joined the Miami Hurricanes. He coached tight ends from 1979 to 1984 and wide receivers from 1985 to 1988. During his time at Miami, the Hurricanes won two national championships in 1983 and 1987.

In 1989, Alexander joined the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL as the wide receivers coach. He stayed with the Cowboys until 1997. During this time, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX.

After his time with the Cowboys, he coached wide receivers for the Minnesota Vikings from 1998 to 1999. He then coached wide receivers for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2003. In 2005, he was an assistant coach for the Cincinnati Marshals in the National Indoor Football League. He also spent time as a head coach at Melrose High School in Memphis.

Hubbard Alexander's Family Life

Hubbard Alexander married his college sweetheart, Gloria Demire, in 1962. They had three sons named Todd, Chad, and Bard. They also had seven grandchildren: Morgan, Nicholas, Sofia, Chloe, Charlotte, Harper, and Haddie. Hubbard and Gloria were married until he passed away.

His son, Chad, also played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Chad now works for the New York Jets in the NFL as the Director of Player Personnel.

Hubbard Alexander passed away in Reisterstown, Maryland, on August 28, 2016.