Kiko Alonso

Kiko Alonso transitioned from a highly-regarded NFL linebacker to a retired athlete, leaving behind a career marked by both significant achievements and persistent injury challenges. After being named the Rose Bowl Defensive Player of the Game in 2012, Kiko Alonso went on to achieve significant collegiate and professional success as a highly-regarded NFL linebacker. During his standout 2012 season at the University of Oregon, Alonso earned Second-team All-Pac-12 honors, recording 87 tackles and showcasing his dominant defensive capabilities. His impressive collegiate performance led to his selection by the Buffalo Bills in the second round, 46th overall, of the 2013 NFL Draft.

He was subsequently traded to the New Orleans Saints in 2019, where he again faced an ACL injury during the Saints’ playoff game that year, ending his 2019-2020 season. In 2020, Alonso briefly joined the San Francisco 49ers before being released later that year. He made a return to the New Orleans Saints in 2022, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the sport. Kiko Alonso officially announced his retirement from professional football in 2022, concluding a career marked by remarkable talent, leadership, and resilience despite persistent injury challenges.