Wikipedia

Kiko Alonso

Kristian "Kiko" Alonso (born August 14, 1990) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon Ducks and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. He was traded four times in his NFL career, which is tied with Eric Dickerson and Brandin Cooks for an NFL record.

Kiko Alonso
refer to caption
Alonso with the Buffalo Bills in 2013
No. 50, 47, 54
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1990-08-14) August 14, 1990 (age 34)
Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:239 lb (108 kg)
Career information
High school:Los Gatos (Los Gatos, California)
College:Oregon (2008–2012)
NFL draft:2013 / round: 2 / pick: 46
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:588
Sacks:3
Forced fumbles:7
Fumble recoveries:7
Interceptions:10
Defensive touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

After being named the 2013 PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Bills, Alonso missed his second season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and was then traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. Following an inconsistent season with the Eagles, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins, becoming entrenched as a starter for three years. He was traded again to the Saints in 2019, with whom he was primarily a reserve player. Following another ACL injury during the 2019 playoffs, he was traded to the 49ers in 2020, but was released later that season without ever playing a game.

Early life

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Kiko Alonso's father, Carlos, was born in Cuba but raised in Puerto Rico.[1] His mother, Monica Alonso, is from Colombia. Kiko was born in Newton, Massachusetts. He has an older brother Carlos and a younger brother Lucas.

Kiko attended Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, California. He led the De Anza League and Central Coast Section in tackles his senior year with 150 stops (81 unassisted). He also tallied double figures in tackles in 10 of 12 games, finished third on the team in quarterback sacks, and led the Wildcats in receiving (35 catches, 559 yards). He led Central Coast's sixth-ranked team to the league title (10–1–1) in 2007, with its lone loss his final year coming against Gilroy (40–34) in the sectional semifinals.

Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated the No. 47 inside linebacker in the class of 2008, behind Etienne Sabino (No. 1), Dont'a Hightower (No. 15), and Stevenson Sylvester (No. 26).[2] He accepted a scholarship offer from Oregon over a scholarship offer from Utah.[3]

College career

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Alonso (47) with the Oregon Ducks in 2012

Alonso attended the University of Oregon, where he played for the Ducks football team from 2008 to 2012. After redshirting in 2008, he spent the 2009 season as the Ducks' primary reserve middle linebacker. He appeared in the final twelve games, accumulating 13 of his 16 tackles unassisted. In 2010, he spent the entire season suspended from the team for a DUI and other legal troubles.[4] He returned the following season and was Oregon's eighth-leading tackler ranked fourth among linebackers with 46 stops, including 6 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He was also named the 2012 Rose Bowl Defensive Player of the Game with one interception and five tackles, including career-highs of 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. In his final season, he started in all 13 games and earned second-team all-conference honors. He recorded 87 total tackles (62 solo, 25 assisted), including 16 tackles for loss, a sack, four interceptions, seven pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

Suspension

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On February 19, 2010, Alonso was arrested and charged with a DUI.[5][6] He was suspended for the 2010 season. Alonso was arrested again in May 2011 on charges of burglary, criminal trespassing and mischief.[7] The charges stemmed from a woman who called 911 to report that Alonso banged on her door and demanded to let him in to her home.[8] According to sources close to him, it is believed Alonso thought he was breaking into his own house. He pleaded guilty to all of the charges. He received two years of probation, and was ordered to undergo 200 hours of community service along with alcohol treatment programs.[9] He was re-instated to the Ducks football team in early September 2011 after completing over community service and an alcoholic awareness program.[10]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 3+3⁄8 in
(1.91 m) 		238 lb
(108 kg) 		32+1⁄8 in
(0.82 m) 		9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		 4.74 s 1.66 s 2.71 s 4.18 s 6.96 s 30.5 in
(0.77 m)		 9 ft 9 in
(2.97 m)
All values from NFL Combine.[11]

Buffalo Bills

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2013

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The Buffalo Bills selected Alonso in the second round (46th overall) of the 2013 NFL draft.[12] Alonso was the fifth linebacker drafted in 2013.[13]

External videos
  Bills draft Kiko Alonso 46th overall
  2013 NFL Draft Profile: Kiko Alonso

On May 14, 2013, the Bills signed Alonso to a four-year, $4.30 million contract that includes $2.46 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.57 million.[14][15][16]

Alonso was selected as a replacement for Nick Barnett and entered training camp as the starting middle linebacker.[17] Head coach Doug Marrone named Alonso the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season, alongside outside linebackers Nigel Bradham and Manny Lawson.[18][19]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Buffalo Bills' season-opener against the New England Patriots and recorded nine combined tackles during their 23–21 loss. On September 15, 2013, Alonso recorded ten combined tackles, deflected a pass, made his first career sack, and made his first career interception during a 24–23 win against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Alonso intercepted a pass by Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton, that was originally intended for fullback Mike Tolbert, during the first quarter.[20] In Week 3, Alonso recorded eight combined tackles and intercepted a pass by Jets' quarterback Geno Smith as the Bills lost 27–20 at the New York Jets.[21] He became the first Bills' player to record an interception in back to back games since Jairus Byrd in 2009.[22] On September 29, 2013, Alonso made five combined tackles and intercepted two passes by Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco in a 23–20 win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.[23] On October 3, 2013, Alonso was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for the month of September.[24] In Week 6, Alonso recorded a season-high 22 combined tackles (nine solo) during a 27–24 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. Alonso started in all 16 games as a rookie in 2013 and recorded 159 combined tackles, four interceptions, four pass deflections, two sacks, and one forced fumble.[25] Alonso finished with the third most tackles among all players in 2013, behind Vontaze Burfict and Paul Posluszny.[26] Alonso was the only defensive player nominated for PFWA Rookie of the Year in 2013.[27] On January 14, 2014, Alonso was named PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year.[28] Alonso was also named to the NFL's All-Under-25 Team for 2014.[29] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[30]

2014

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Bills General Manager Doug Whaley announced that Alonso would be shifted to the weakside linebacker position for the 2014–15 NFL season.[31] Shortly after however, Alonso tore his anterior cruciate ligament while working out in Oregon and missed the entire 2014 season, as a seven to nine-month recovery was expected.[32][33] On August 26, 2014, the Buffalo Bills placed Alonso on the reserve/non-football injury.[34]

Philadelphia Eagles

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On March 10, 2015, the Buffalo Bills traded Alonso to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for running back LeSean McCoy. The trade reunited Alonso with Philadelphia Eagles' head coach Chip Kelly, who was his head coach at Oregon.[35]

During training camp, Alonso competed against Mychal Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans for a job as a starting inside linebacker.[36] Head coach Chip Kelly named Alonso a backup inside linebacker to begin the regular season, behind DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks.[37]

During the second quarter of a Week 2 contest against the Dallas Cowboys on September 20, 2015, Alonso suffered a Grade II sprain – a partial tear – of his repaired left anterior cruciate ligament. Alonso was inactive for the next five games (Weeks 3–7). In Week 17, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during the Eagles' 35–30 victory at the New York Giants.[38] He finished the season with 43 combined tackles (30 solo), one interception, and one pass deflection in 11 games and one start.[25]

Miami Dolphins

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2016

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On March 9, 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles traded Alonso, cornerback Byron Maxwell, and a first round draft pick (13th overall) in the 2016 NFL draft to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for the Dolphins' first round draft pick (8th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft.[39] Alonso entered training camp slated as the starting middle linebacker. Head coach Adam Gase named Alonso the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season, alongside Koa Misi and Jelani Jenkins.[40]

In Week 5, he collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (eight solo) during a 30–17 loss against the Tennessee Titans. On November 13, 2016, Alonso made four solo tackles, broke up a pass, and returned an interception for his first career touchdown during a 31–24 win at the San Diego Chargers in Week 10. Alonso intercepted a pass by Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers, that was intended for wide receiver Tyrell Williams, and returned it for a 60-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter.[41] Alonso was inactive for the Dolphins' Week 14 victory against the Arizona Cardinals due to a hamstring injury.[42] Alonso finished his first season as a member of the Miami Dolphins with 115 combined tackles (69 solo), four pass deflections, two interceptions, and one touchdown in 15 games and 15 starts.[43][25]

The Miami Dolphins finished second in the AFC East with a 10–6 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 8, 2017, Alonso started his first career playoff game and recorded six combined tackles during their 30–12 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wildcard Game.

2017

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On March 9, 2017, the Miami Dolphins placed a first-round tender on Alonso as a restricted free agent.[44] On March 21, 2017, the Miami Dolphins signed Alonso to a four-year, $28.91 million contract that includes $18.50 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $7.05 million.[45][16]

Alonso entered training camp slated as a starting outside linebacker. Head coach Adam Gase named Alonso the starting weakside linebacker to begin the regular season. He started alongside strongside linebacker Lawrence Timmons and middle linebacker Mike Hull.[46][47]

In Week 8, Alonso drew criticism for a hit on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, which put Flacco in concussion protocol.[48] The league conducted an investigation to determine if Alonso should be suspended, but decided not to suspend him.[49] On November 3, 2017, Alonso was fined $9,115 by the league for his hit on Flacco.[50] On December 24, 2017, Alonso collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (eight solo) during a 29–13 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16. Alonso started in all 16 games in 2017 and recorded 115 combined tackles (79 solo), one pass deflection, and one sack.[25]

2018

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Alonso was named the starting strongside linebacker to begin the regular season in 2018. He started alongside rookie starting weakside linebacker Jerome Baker and middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan.[51]

In Week 2, Alonso collected a season-high 13 solo tackles in the Dolphins' 20–12 win at the New York Jets. The following week, Alonso made 15 combined tackles (seven solo) during a 28–2 victory against the Oakland Raiders in Week 3.[52]

Alonso once again received criticism for late hits on quarterbacks. He received a personal foul penalty and subsequent fine after colliding with a sliding Andrew Luck during a week 12 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.[53] After a similar hit on Josh Allen during a week 17 tilt against the Buffalo Bills, Alonso was ejected from that game after a scuffle broke out between the Bills and Dolphins.[54]

New Orleans Saints (first stint)

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On September 1, 2019, Alonso was traded to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for linebacker Vince Biegel.[55] As a reserve linebacker, Alonso totaled 31 combined tackles on the season. He suffered another anterior cruciate ligament injury during the Saints' playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings.[56] He was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list (PUP) at the start of training camp on August 1, 2020.[57] He was moved to the reserve/PUP list at the start of the regular season on September 5, 2020.[58]

San Francisco 49ers

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On November 2, 2020, Alonso was traded to the San Francisco 49ers with a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft in exchange for LB Kwon Alexander.[59] Alonso was eligible to practice with the Saints and 49ers since October 19, 2020, but the 49ers declined to activate him from the PUP list by November 14, 2020, and he was ineligible to return during the season.[60] He was released with a failed physical designation on November 23.[61]

New Orleans Saints (second stint)

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On August 5, 2022, Alonso signed with the Saints.[62]

Retirement

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On August 6, 2022, Alonso announced his retirement from professional football, after signing with the New Orleans Saints the day before.[63]

NFL career statistics

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Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD
2013 BUF 16 16 159 87 72 2.0 1 2 13 0 4 4 38 9.5 32 0
2014 BUF 0 0 did not play due to injury
2015 PHI 11 1 43 30 13 0.0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0.0 0 0
2016 MIA 15 15 115 69 46 0.0 1 4 2 0 4 2 70 35.0 60T 1
2017 MIA 16 16 115 79 36 1.0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0
2018 MIA 15 15 125 79 46 0.0 3 1 0 0 6 3 30 10.0 15 0
2019 NO 13 4 31 25 6 0.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0
Career 86 67 588 369 219 3.0 7 7 15 0 17 10 138 13.8 60T 1

References

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  1. ^ Kelly, Omar. "Embracing his Hispanic heritage has helped Kiko Alonso blossom".
  2. ^ "Rivals.com". sports.yahoo.com.
  3. ^ "Kiko Alonso - Yahoo! Sports". rivals.yahoo.com. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  4. ^ "Tigers linebacker Kiko Alonso overcomes troubles to meet expectations".
  5. ^ "Oregon football: Kiko Alonso cited for DUII".
  6. ^ "Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso suspended after arrest".
  7. ^ "Reports: Ducks LB Alonso charged with burglary". ESPN.com. May 2, 2011.
  8. ^ "Arrest lands Ducks' Alonso another suspension". May 2, 2011.
  9. ^ "Ducks LB Alonso pleads guilty to misdemeanors". ESPN.com. May 6, 2011.
  10. ^ "Oregon's Kiko Alonso sentenced probation, community service - USATODAY.com".
  11. ^ "Adrian Peterson-Oklahoma RB-2007 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". Nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
  12. ^ "2013 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  13. ^ "Bills draft Oregon LB Alonso with 46th pick - NFL - ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  14. ^ "LB Kiko Alonso signs rookie deal with Bills". buffalobills.com. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  15. ^ "Buffalo Cap/Contract Notes". ianwhetstone.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  16. ^ a b "Spotrac.com: Kiko Alonso contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  17. ^ Galliford, Brian (May 30, 2013). "Kiko Alonso to shoulder the load for Buffalo Bills linebackers". buffalorumblings.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  18. ^ Frenz, Erik (August 26, 2013). "Buffalo Bills Roster 2013: Latest Cuts, Depth Charts and Analysis". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  19. ^ "Ourlads.com: Buffalo Bills Depth Chart: 09/05/2013". Ourlads.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
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  21. ^ "Buffalo Bills at New York Jets - September 22nd, 2013". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  22. ^ "BDC 9/23: Bills at Jets Recap". buffalobills.com. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
  23. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills - September 29th, 2013". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  24. ^ "Kiko Alonso named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month". buffalobills.com. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  25. ^ a b c d "NFL Player stats: Kiko Alonso (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  26. ^ "NFL stats (2013)". NFL.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  27. ^ "Kiko Alonso nominated for Rookie of the Year". buffalobills.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
  28. ^ "Kiko Alonso named PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year". buffalobills.com. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  29. ^ "Buffalo Bills' Cordy Glenn, Kiko Alonso Make NFL's List of Best Young Players".
  30. ^ "2013 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  31. ^ "Doug Whaley: Buffalo Bills' Kiko Alonso to play WLB". NFL.com.
  32. ^ "Source: Alonso tears ACL, likely out for '14". ESPN.com. July 2, 2014.
  33. ^ "Buffalo Bills Look to Fill Huge Hole at Linebacker in Wake of Kiko Alonso Injury".
  34. ^ Brown, Chris. "Kiko Alonso placed on Reserve/NFI list". BuffaloBills.com. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  35. ^ "Eagles Acquire LB Alonso For RB McCoy". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. March 10, 2015. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
  36. ^ "Eagles might play Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks, and DeMeco Ryans at the same time". bleedinggreennation.com. August 4, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  37. ^ Gowton, Brandon Lee (September 5, 2015). "Philadelphia Eagles depth chart: 52-man roster edition". bleedinggreennation.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  38. ^ "NFL Player stats: Kiko Alonso (2015)". NFL.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  39. ^ "Dolphins finish Maxwell, Alonso trade, cut Grimes". ESPN.com. March 9, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  40. ^ Nogle, Kevin (September 6, 2016). "Dolphins depth chart 2016: Arian Foster named starting running back, Laremy Tunsil left guard". thephinsider.com.
  41. ^ "Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers - November 13th, 2016". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  42. ^ Zucker, Joseph (December 3, 2016). "Kiko Alonso Injury: Updates on Dolphins Star's Hamstring and Return". BleacherReport.com. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
  43. ^ Beasley, Adam H. (November 13, 2016). "Late Kiko Alonso pick-six lifts Dolphins past Chargers 31-24". MiamiHerald.com.
  44. ^ "Press Release: Dolphins Make Roster Moves". MiamiDolphins.com. March 9, 2017.
  45. ^ Patra, Kevin (March 21, 2017). "Kiko Alonso signs three-year extension with Dolphins". NFL.com.
  46. ^ "Miami Dolphins' roster set, now time for depth chart decisions". dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com. September 2, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  47. ^ "Ourlads.com: Miami Dolphins Depth Chart: 09/01/2017". Ourlads.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  48. ^ "Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso's hit to Joe Flacco's head sparks furor". USA Today. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
  49. ^ "Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso won't be suspended for hit on Ravens' Joe Flacco". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
  50. ^ Knoblauch, Austin. "Kiko Alonso fined $9,115 for hit on Joe Flacco". NFL. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
  51. ^ Nogle, Kevin (September 3, 2018). "Predicting the Dolphins' depth chart 2018: 53-man roster edition". thephinsider.com. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
  52. ^ "NFL Player stats: Kiko Alonso (2018)". NFL.com. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  53. ^ Adam H. Beasley (November 25, 2018). "Dolphins' Howard: Picks meaningless 'because we lost'". Miami Herald. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  54. ^ Rodak, Mike; Wolfe, Cameron (December 30, 2018). "Kiko Alonso ejected following scrum set off by hit on sliding Josh Allen". ESPN. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  55. ^ Reyes, Lorenzo. "Dolphins swap Kiko Alonso for Vince Beigel in LB-for-LB trade with Saints". USA Today. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  56. ^ "Roundup: LB Kiko Alonso tore ACL in Saints' loss". NFL.com. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  57. ^ Sigler, John (August 1, 2020). "Saints designate Kiko Alonso, Johnson Bademosi to PUP list". USAToday.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  58. ^ "Saints announce 53-man roster reductions for 2020". NewOrleansSaints.com. September 5, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  59. ^ "New Orleans Saints acquire linebacker Kwon Alexander". NewOrleansSaints.com. November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  60. ^ "49ers' Kiko Alonso: Won't return from PUP list". CBSSports.com. November 14, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  61. ^ "49ers Announce Roster Moves". 49ers.com. November 23, 2020. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  62. ^ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  63. ^ "Kiko Alonso Retires After Attempted NFL Comeback With Saints, per Report". SI.com. August 6, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
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