Mackensie Alexander facts for kids
Alexander during the 2017 season
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| Position: | Cornerback | ||||||||
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| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | November 12, 1993 Naples, Florida, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 192 lb (87 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Immokalee (Immokalee, Florida) |
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| College: | Clemson (2013–2015) | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 54 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||
Mackensie Alexander (born November 12, 1993) is an American professional football player. He plays as a cornerback, a defensive position. Mackensie played college football for the Clemson Tigers.
After taking a "redshirt" year, which means he practiced but didn't play in games, he became a very important player for the Tigers. He earned honors like being named a Freshman All-American. His team's defense was one of the best in college football. Later, the Minnesota Vikings picked him in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, and Dallas Cowboys.
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Early Life and High School Sports
Mackensie Alexander was born in Naples, Florida. He has an identical twin brother named Mackenro. Their parents are from Haiti. Mackensie went to Immokalee High School.
In high school, he was a star football player. As a senior in 2012, he made 42 tackles and caught three interceptions. He helped his team, the Immokalee Indians, reach the Florida 5A championship game. During his high school career, he made 139 tackles and 10 interceptions. After his senior year, he was chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Besides football, Mackensie was also a talented wrestler and track athlete. He was ranked among the best wrestlers in Florida. In track, he was a fast sprinter. He ran the 100-meter dash in 10.8 seconds and the 400-meter dash in 50.39 seconds.
Many experts thought Mackensie was one of the best high school football players in the country. He chose to play college football at Clemson University.
College Career at Clemson
Mackensie Alexander joined the Clemson Tigers in 2013. He had a groin injury during his first preseason, so he took a "medical redshirt" year. This meant he could practice with the team but not play in games, saving a year of his college eligibility.
When he finally played in 2014, he showed everyone why he was so highly rated. He became a full-time starter as a redshirt freshman. He was named a Freshman All-American and received honorable mention for the All-ACC team.
In 2015, as a redshirt sophomore, he continued to excel. He earned third-team All-American and first-team All-Conference honors. He helped the Tigers have an amazing season, going 14–1 and reaching the National Championship game. During that season, no receiver he covered gained 100 yards or scored a passing touchdown. He finished his college career with 44 total tackles and 11 pass deflections.
On January 13, 2016, Mackensie decided to leave college early to enter the NFL draft. He felt he had done everything he could in college and was ready to chase his dream of playing professional football.
Professional Football Career
Joining the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings picked Mackensie Alexander in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was the seventh cornerback chosen that year. In May 2016, he signed a four-year contract with the Vikings.
He joined a strong group of cornerbacks on the team. In his first year, 2016, he played in 13 games, mostly on special teams. He made five tackles. He was placed on injured reserve late in the season due to an abdominal injury.
Playing as a Nickelback
In 2017, Mackensie became the Vikings' main "nickelback." This is a special cornerback position used when the opposing team has more receivers. On November 12, 2017, he made his first career interception against the Washington Redskins. He finished the season with 17 tackles, six pass deflections, and one interception.
The Vikings had a great season in 2017, winning their division. Mackensie played in his first playoff game, helping the Vikings win against the New Orleans Saints.
In 2018, Mackensie continued as the nickelback. He made his first career start in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. In that game, he recorded his first career sack, tackling Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
For the 2019 season, he remained an important part of the Vikings' defense. He played in 13 games, making 38 tackles and catching another interception.
Time with the Cincinnati Bengals
On March 30, 2020, Mackensie signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. In Week 15, he recorded his first interception as a Bengal against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Returning to the Vikings
On March 29, 2021, Mackensie signed again with the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 16 games that season.
Later Career
In August 2022, Mackensie signed with the Miami Dolphins. However, he was placed on injured reserve shortly after and then released.
Later in December 2022, he joined the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. He was later promoted to the active roster. He was reunited with his former college and Vikings teammate, Jayron Kearse. Mackensie was placed on injured reserve in January 2023 and then released.
