Xavier Nixon facts for kids
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Nixon with Florida in 2009
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| No. 71 | |||||
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| Position: | Offensive tackle | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | September 17, 1990 Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 330 lb (150 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Fayetteville (NC) Jack Britt | ||||
| College: | Florida | ||||
| Undrafted: | 2013 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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Xavier A. Nixon, born on September 17, 1990, is a former American football player. He played as an offensive tackle, which is a position on the offensive line. Xavier played college football for the University of Florida. After college, he joined the Washington Redskins as a free agent in 2013. He later made his first NFL game appearance with the Indianapolis Colts.
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Growing Up and High School Football
Xavier Nixon was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He grew up in a military family, as his mother and stepfather were stationed at Fort Bragg.
He went to Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville. There, he was a key player on the Jack Britt Buccaneers football team. He played as a lineman on both offense and defense. In his senior year, he helped his team reach the Class 4-AA state championship game. He was recognized as a top offensive lineman in the state. He also made 50 tackles while playing on the defensive line.
Xavier was named a high school All-American by Parade and USA Today magazines. He was also invited to play in the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, a special game for top high school players. Many experts thought he was one of the best offensive tackle prospects in the country. He chose to play for the University of Florida, even though other big schools wanted him.
College Career at Florida
Xavier Nixon received a scholarship to attend the University of Florida. He played for the Florida Gators football team from 2009 to 2012. His coaches were Urban Meyer and Will Muschamp.
In 2009, as a freshman, he started as a backup player. However, during a game against South Carolina, he got his first chance to start as the left tackle. This was a big deal because he was the first freshman since 1992 to start at left tackle for the Gators. He was praised for helping to protect the team's quarterback from being tackled.
Playing in the NFL
Even though many thought Xavier would be drafted by an NFL team, he was not chosen in the 2013 NFL draft. However, he still got a chance to play professionally.
Washington Redskins (First Time)
The Washington Redskins signed Xavier as a free agent on April 28, 2013. This meant they offered him a contract even though he wasn't drafted. He was later released by the team before the 2013 season began. But the very next day, he was signed to their practice squad. A practice squad is a group of players who train with the team but aren't on the main roster.
Indianapolis Colts
On September 24, 2013, the Indianapolis Colts signed Xavier Nixon from the Redskins' practice squad. This meant he joined the Colts' main team. He was later released by the Colts but then re-signed to their practice squad.
He was brought back to the active roster on December 3, 2013. In Week 14, he made his official NFL debut in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He also played in Week 15. In Week 16, he got his first start as a left guard against the Kansas City Chiefs. He filled in for another player who was injured.
In 2014, Xavier missed a team flight and was not able to play in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. He was later released by the Colts in February 2015.
Washington Redskins (Second Time)
On February 13, 2015, the Washington Redskins claimed Xavier Nixon, bringing him back to their team. However, he was released again in May of that year.
