From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rufus Alexander is a football linebacker who is a member of the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. He played for the University of Oklahoma Sooners football team from 2003 to 2006. In 2006, Alexander was named to the All-Big 12 First Team, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and an AP and AFCA All-American.[1] He was drafted in the 6th round with the 176th overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Alexander was raised by a mother who worked all of the time to support her family while his father was in prison.[2] His oldest brother was in and out of legal trouble and the middle brother was following suit.[3] Alexander met the Barham family, David and Melinda, while he was in junior high. In need of a stable living environment, the Barhams spoke to Alexander's mother, Siene, about having Alexander move in with them. The Barhams never legally adopted Alexander.[3] David Barham accepted a job as the football coach at Christian Life Academy in Baton Rouge, LA and he brought Alexander with him. Alexander became a dominant player, leading his team to district titles his junior and senior year.[2] Barham began to actively pursue colleges on his behalf as Alexander was listed as a top 20 high school linebacker.[2] Barham initiated contact with Oklahoma's defensive coordinator Brent Venables in December of 2001.[2] The Sooners offered Alexander a scholarship and he chose Oklahoma over several other offers.
Alexander was injured in the Vikings first preseason game of 2007 and suffered a torn ACL, resulting in season-ending surgery.
[edit] Trivia
- Cousin of NFL Defensive Back Gerald Alexander
- Famous for the "Ruuuuufus" chant given by thousands of his fans after completing a good play
- Ended his Sooner career with 297 tackles
- Teammate of Vikings superstar Adrian "All Day" Peterson at Oklahoma University.
