Dee Alford signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, the team announced on Mar. 12. The cornerback said his journey to the National Football League has been shaped by resilience and an ‘underdog mentality.’
Alford’s story is notable because he did not follow a traditional path to professional football. Born in Hernando, Mississippi, he began playing football only in his senior year of high school before attending Tusculum University, a Division II college in Tennessee. During his four years there, he earned First-team All-South Atlantic Conference honors in 2019 and Second-team All-SAC recognition in both 2017 and 2018.
After going undrafted in 2020 when pro days were canceled due to the pandemic, Alford pursued opportunities in the Canadian Football League. He joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for training camp in 2021 and became a starting cornerback on their Grey Cup-winning team that year. His performance led him to sign with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2022 season.
“Whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve it,” Alford said after signing his contract with Buffalo. “Don’t give up. Things are gonna get tough. Everyone takes a different path, but we can all align one and go on that same journey. It defines me as a person, I’m a hard worker, dedicated, and I’m goal-driven…just having that underdog mentality, it made me who I am.” He added about joining Buffalo: “It’s so much love here, great positive energy in the building. One thing just stood out for me — winning. When you hear about Buffalo Bills football, it’s all about winning and I want to be a winner. So it was a no brainer for me.”
Alford played in 64 games and started 23 from 2022 through 2025 with Atlanta, setting career highs last season with 13 passes defensed, three interceptions, six tackles for loss and two sacks. At five-foot-eleven and weighing 175 pounds, he described himself as versatile: “Pulling up my film, you’ll see that I can do both, inside or outside,” he said. “I’m mainly in the slot, but I’m willing to do whatever. I’m versatile.” After meeting with defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard this week at team facilities in Buffalo, Alford said: “He’s a great guy, he has a lot of energy,” adding that Leonhard will allow him to fit into his system as a cover player.
Looking ahead to his time with the Bills locker room and new teammates Alford said: “I like to build connections and relationships with my teammates,” adding: “I really do believe in brotherhood… I’m so fired up to learn my new teammates and fit right in with those guys.”
