With the 60th pick in the NFL Draft, Robert Alford was selected by the Atlanta Falcons.
The Hammond native gathered with family and friends at Don’s Seafood looking forward to the opportunity of his name being called on the second day of the draft.
As the second round came to a close, Alford took a phone call that proved to be one of the biggest of his life.
“It’s been a dream of mine since the age of 12,” said Alford. “And Deion [Sanders] announcing my name, that was big. I grew up looking up to Deion – he was the best – and that was really big to me.”
During the Lions 2012 season, Alford had eight pass breakups and four interceptions. He also recorded 39 total tackles with five for a loss of yards.
In the 2013 Senior Bowl, Alford made key plays for the South team to set him apart from the others, picking off the North’s Zac Dysert and returning a kickoff that gave the South great field position.
As the 60th pick, he is also the first selected from the FCS.
“My next step is the Atlanta Falcons,” said Alford. “Get in there, learn the playbook, become a starter and help the Falcons to a Superbowl.”
Look for the next print edition of The Lion’s Roar for complete coverage as Alford takes the next step into the NFL.