Jay Alford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jay Alford

Alford signing autographs at Penn State in 2008
No. 93, 94, 91
Position:	Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1983-05-28) May 28, 1983 (age 42) Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	304 lb (138 kg)
Career information
High school:	Orange
College:	Penn State
NFL Draft:	2007 / Round: 3 / Pick: 81
Career history
New York Giants (2007–2009) Oakland Raiders (2010) Seattle Seahawks (2011)* Virginia Destroyers (2011) Saskatchewan Roughriders (2012–2013)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XLII) Third-team All-American (2006) 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (2005, 2006)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 18 Sacks: 3.5 Pass deflections: 1
Player stats at PFR
Player stats at CFL.ca (archive)

Jason Jamaal Alford (born May 28, 1983) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). A defensive tackle is a player who tries to stop the other team's offense.

Alford played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions. The New York Giants picked him in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. He also played for the Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Virginia Destroyers, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

In 2007, Alford helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLII. He made a big play by sacking Tom Brady in the final minute of the game. The Giants won 17–14 against the New England Patriots.

Early Life and High School Football

Jay Alford grew up in Orange, New Jersey. He went to Orange High School, which was about 30 minutes from Giants Stadium.

He was a starter on the football team for three years. He was chosen as First-team All-State, which means he was one of the best players in the state. He was also named a U.S. Army All-American. Experts even listed him among the top 50 defensive players in the country.

College Football Career

Alford played for the Nittany Lions in college. He was a starter for four years, playing in 46 games. During his time at Penn State, he made 118 tackles and 19 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback.

He also recovered four fumbles and forced three fumbles. He was recognized as a Third-team All-America player. This means he was one of the best college players in the nation. He was also chosen for the All-Big Ten team twice.

Alford finished his senior year with 32 tackles and eight sacks. He earned a degree in Integrative Arts from Penn State in 2006. He also received the Jim O’Hora Award, given to the defense's most improved player.

Professional Football Journey

Playing for the New York Giants

Jay Alford's most famous moment with the Giants happened in Super Bowl XLII. The Giants were playing against the New England Patriots. The Patriots were undefeated that season, meaning they hadn't lost a single game.

With less than a minute left in the game, the Giants were ahead 17–14. The Patriots had the ball. Alford made a huge play by sacking the Patriots' quarterback, Tom Brady. This made it very hard for the Patriots to score. The Giants then won the game, shocking everyone. This win is considered one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history.

As a rookie in 2007, Alford played in all 16 regular season games. He also played in all four playoff games. He helped with field goals and extra points as the team's long snapper. He made 8 tackles and 1 sack that season. In 2008, he played in all 16 regular season games again. He had 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Alford missed the 2009 NFL season because of an injury. He tore a ligament in his knee during the preseason.

Time with Other Teams

After leaving the Giants, Alford signed with the Oakland Raiders in September 2010. He was with them for about a month.

He then spent time with the Seattle Seahawks during their offseason training. However, he did not make their final team roster.

Alford later joined the Virginia Destroyers in the UFL. This was the Destroyers' first season. Alford helped them win the 2011 UFL Championship Game. They beat the Las Vegas Locos, who had won the championship twice before. This win meant Alford had won championships in both the NFL and the UFL.

In 2012, Alford signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League. He played in 10 games for them that year. He made 11 tackles and two sacks. He was released by the team in May 2013.

Personal Life

Jay Alford was born in Orange, New Jersey. He was raised by his grandmother. He was a very talented player at Orange High School. He was named All-State and a U.S. Army All-American. He was also listed among the top defensive players in the nation.

On February 29, 2008, the City of Orange Township honored Alford. They gave him the Key to the City. This is a special award given to important people.