Mo Alie-Cox

BIOGRAPHY

Mohamed Alie-Cox, an American professional football player born on September 19, 1993, made his initial foray into the sports world on the basketball court rather than on the football field where he would later garner recognition. Alie-Cox, while maintaining his status as a high school freshman, last played organized football before beginning his professional career as the tight end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) in subsequent years. Relegated as an undrafted free agent, Alie-Cox signed a contract with the Colts in 2017.

Before football, Alie-Cox was an acclaimed basketball player. He represented Virginia Commonwealth University’s men’s basketball team for four consecutive years, playing as a power forward. Earning a reputation for his staunch defense and blocking prowess, Alie-Cox quickly became a favorite among spectators who echoed praises and chants of “Mo Says No” in the stadium stands.

Across his collegiate basketball career, Alie-Cox proved his worth on the court by churning out impressive statistics — scoring 1,092 points, recording 663 rebounds, executing 87 steals, accumulating 112 assists, and blocking 255 shots over an impressive 3,322 minutes of game time. On an annual basis, he played an average of more than 25 minutes across his final three years.

Most notably, Alie-Cox steered Virginia Commonwealth University to clinch their maiden Atlantic 10 Conference championship, a milestone that earned him a spot on the all-tournament team. This achievement further entrenched Alie-Cox in the annals of his university’s history as the athlete with the highest field goal percentage.

Despite a lack of recent experience with football, Alie-Cox signed with the Indianapolis Colts on April 21, 2017. However, a lower leg injury led to his waiving in August that year, and he was subsequently shifted to the injured reserve. Later on, an injury settlement led to his release on August 11, 2017.

Alie-Cox rejoined the Colts, this time as a practice squad member, on October 7, 2017. On January 1, 2018, Alie-Cox signed a reserve/future contract with the Colts, securing an opportunity to play in the NFL. Despite being waived on September 1, 2018, Alie-Cox was promptly signed back to the practice squad. His promotion to the active roster soon followed on September 28, 2018.

He made his NFL debut against the Houston Texans during Week 4 of the season, marking his first football game since high school, with a 17-yard reception. Alie-Cox was waived, then re-signed to the practice squad only to be promoted back to the active roster in October 2018. His first career touchdown catch followed soon after, snagging a one-handed, 26-yard reception to secure a 42-28 victory over the Oakland Raiders in October 2018.

In recognition of his burgeoning football career, the Colts extended Alie-Cox’s contract to last through 2020. Despite health struggles that delayed his participation in the 2020 training camp, Alie-Cox returned to the field in August 2020. His performance against the Minnesota Vikings in September 2020 was particularly notable, with five receptions and 111 receiving yards, contributing to the Colts’ win.

The Colts offered Alie-Cox a second-round restricted free agent tender in March 2021, which he signed in May that year. In a notable leap in his career progression, Alie-Cox signed an impressive three-year, $18 million contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts in March 2022, solidifying his position as a professional football player of note while testifying to his unique journey from basketball power forward to professional football tight end.