Falcons’ Dee Alford Defies Odds and Overcomes Online Criticism

Dee Alford, a defensive back for the Atlanta Falcons, has turned his challenging narrative into one of resilience this season. Growing up in Griffin, Georgia, Alford is now in his fourth season in the NFL. His journey to professional football is remarkable, having played college football at Tusculum University and facing setbacks along the way.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alford found himself working at a FedEx warehouse after not playing. He made a significant leap in 2021 by joining the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League before signing a reserve/futures contract with the Falcons in 2022. This contract, while not a guaranteed path to success, allowed Alford to continue pursuing his dream in the very state where he grew up.

Despite his inspiring background, Alford faced harsh criticism, particularly following a game against the Minnesota Vikings in December 2022. During that match, he struggled in coverage, leading to a 52-yard touchdown that contributed to a 42-21 defeat. The backlash was swift and harsh, with online critics targeting him relentlessly. Alford reflected on the situation, stating, “It’s crazy. I’m not trying to talk too much (on social media), but I can’t come in on a post or anything without them attacking me.”

The negative feedback affected not only Alford but also his family, particularly his father, Felton Jackson. “If you know Dee, you wouldn’t say anything bad about him,” Jackson said, expressing his frustration with the unfounded criticism. He urged Alford to remain resilient and focused, advising him to keep his head high and continue working hard.

Alford took this advice to heart. He avoided engaging with the negativity online and instead channeled his energy into improving his performance on the field. His commitment has paid off this season, as first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich provided crucial support. Ulbrich worked closely with Alford during the offseason, reviewing game footage to identify areas for improvement.

The coaching staff recognized that Alford had been placed in challenging situations, often isolated in coverage without support. Ulbrich remarked, “He was definitely discouraged… for him to flip this entire script on the perception of himself, it’s been gratifying for me in a lot of ways.” Alford’s confidence has grown, and his positivity has become a beacon for the Falcons’ defense.

Despite initial setbacks, including losing his starting nickel position to rookie Billy Bowman, Alford has proven his versatility by stepping in at both outside cornerback and nickel as injuries have affected the team. His performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6 was particularly impressive. Alford started at nickel and completed the game with an interception, three pass deflections, six tackles, and a sack. Ulbrich praised his ability to perform under pressure, stating, “To step in and play the way he did was exceptional.”

As the season progresses, Alford has solidified his role on the team. He has recorded 28 tackles and is tied for fourth in sacks, demonstrating his impact on the field. His ability to handle criticism and rise to the occasion has earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike. Safety Jessie Bates noted, “I’m just proud of him… he could have easily checked out. I have a lot of respect for him for how he has handled that situation.”

Alford is currently playing on a one-year, $1.5 million contract, and his performance this season may lead to a new contract with the Falcons in the offseason. Despite the potential for continued criticism, Alford has resolved to focus on his growth and improvement. “God is the greatest,” he said. “My goal is to continue to get better. I let that impact me in the past. I’ll never let it do that again.”

With a renewed sense of determination, Dee Alford is not just changing the narrative surrounding his career but is also setting an example of resilience in the face of adversity.