Former Colorado State and Akron running back Donnell Alexander’s primary focus during the Kansas City Chiefs three-day rookie minicamp was to impress the team’s coaching staff enough to receive an invite to training camp.
Though, Alexander was definitely thinking about what his presence meant to his family.
See, Alexander is the son of former Chiefs pass rusher and Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas, who dominated the National Football League during his 11-year career.
Thomas passed away in February of 2000 due to injuries he suffered in a car accident in January of that year during a snowstorm in Kansas City. Alexander had just turned seven at the time of his father’s untimely passing.
During the camp, Alexander had this to say about his father and the experience he was receiving during the try out:
“I have memories (of Thomas), but I was quite young (when he played), so a lot of the memories mostly come from film,” Alexander said, via the Chiefs’ official website. “When I was in Colorado, I did a camp, and a lot of people came up and spoke to me, and just the way they said that they idolize my father, to me that was amazing because they have no idea really who he is, but for them to just be die-hard fans like that, that shows me a lot.”
For long-time Chiefs fans, this has to bring back memories of Thomas absolutely dominating the trenches in the AFC West. It’s also a sad memory of a life cut short due to a freak accident.
As it relates to Alexander’s chances of catching on with the Chiefs, head coach Andy Reid really liked what he saw from the running back:
“I thought he did a real nice job,” the head coach said. “He’s actually got a tattoo on the back of his neck that’s pretty neat with an arrowhead and the whole deal. How many guys have an arrowhead tattoo at all? But he’s got that, and I know he’s proud of his dad.”
Here’s to hoping the tattoo itself isn’t premature.
For Alexander, the experience was tremendous:
“It’s a surreal experience,” Alexander said. “No matter what, I think I would have come here regardless and at least tried out, because this is where I would love to be — a Chief.”
The opportunity to try out for his father’s team must have been great for Alexander, who put up 1,840 total yards and 10 touchdowns in three college seasons.
It will definitely be interesting to see this situation play out and find out whether Alexander earns a look during the summer.