Alex Leatherwood

Alex Leatherwood's Biography

Born on January 5, 1999, Alexander Leatherwood hails from Pensacola, Florida, where he displayed his astounding knack for football at a tender age. Attending Booker T. Washington High School, he made a mark in the field, earning old accolades and titles which loudly affirms his promise and immense talent. As a high school junior and senior, he was named first-team All-Area by the Pensacola News Journal. His senior year accolades did not stop at that, as he was also recognized as a first-team All-American by the prestigious Parade, and USA Today included him in their second team. Around the same time, he also showcased his skills in the All-America Bowl. Consensually labelled as a top ten recruit and a five-star, football enthusiasts from all over the country watched as he committed to the University of Alabama during his junior year.

Enrolling a semester earlier than the usual academic schedule at Alabama, Leatherwood played in seven games of his rookie year. His big break came in 2018 when he filled in the shoes of the starting left tackle Jonah Williams, who suffered an injury during the third quarter of the 2018 CFP National Championship Game. Asserting his versatility and adaptability, he was moved to right tackle during spring practice and further moved to right guard during fall training camp. He emerged as the victor and won the starting position going into his sophomore year.

He started all 15 games for the Crimson Tide. Despite giving up 21 pressures, his performance was brilliant enough to warrant second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) recognition by the league’s coaches. Following the season, he was moved back to the left tackle position. He continued to amass accolades – such as the first-team preseason All-SEC and a second-team preseason All-American by Sporting News entering his junior season. It was only a matter of time before he was placed on the Outland Trophy watchlist. Leatherwood started every game for Alabama and the league’s coaches named him for first-team All-SEC.

Entering his senior year, he was the starting player for all 13 games for Alabama. His skill in the interior line was recognized with an award as co-winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 2021, along with Alabama’s center Landon Dickerson. Ever reaping laurels, he was a unanimous first-team All-America selection and received the Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior lineman.

Leatherwood broke onto the professional football scene when he was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Within a month, he signed his first professional contract with Las Vegas, which was a fully guaranteed deal worth $14.39 million extending for four years. He quickly moved to the offensive guard position due to struggles at the tackle as a rookie, but was waived by the end of August 2022. Not long after, the Chicago Bears picked him off the waivers. However, due to non-football illness, he was placed on the reserve list in mid-September and was subsequently activated in late October. His stint with the Bears was cut short after his release in August 2023.

Leatherwood continued his professional career by joining the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns by the end of August 2023. However, his contract with the Browns expired when their season ended in January 2024. Proving his resilience and dedication towards the sport, Leatherwood signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in May 2024. However, his journey wasn’t smooth, as he was released in August and re-signed to their practice squad.

Aside from his professional football career, Leatherwood utilized his platform to bring to light important social issues. He staunchly supports the Black Lives Matter movement and even wrote a screenplay for a video advocating the cause in 2020. Leatherwood takes pride in his work both off and on the field, standing as an athlete and activist with his rare combination of strength, dexterity, and a voice for change.