NFL Player Profile: Shaun “Mr. Touchdown” Alexander
Shuan Alexander’s NFL career lasted only nine years, and to the casual fan, he has largely been forgotten. This should not happen. Despite the short career, there was a period of years during which it can be argued that Shaun Alexander was the best player in the NFL. In this article, I’m going to highlight some of Mr. Touchdown’s best moments and why he is a running back who should have more attention.
1. 2001: NFL Breakout Season
2001 was Mr. Touchdown’s second season in the big leagues, and while he didn’t receive any awards or honors, Alexander did rush for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. He had only started two games in his rookie year in 2000, so 2001 was a huge second-year step-up. Alexander started 12 of the 16 games that season, and while the Seahawks missed the playoffs, Shaun offered a glimpse of what his best years would look like.
That same year, Alexander set the Seahawks' single-game rushing record, rushing for 266 yards against the Oakland Raiders.
2. 2002: The Five Touchdown First Half
Seahawk fans didn’t have to wait long for Shaun Alexander to put up another dominant performance. In 2002, in a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Alexander scored five touchdowns in the first half of the game, tying the NFL record for TDs in a half. His final stat line was 139 yards, five rushing touchdowns, plus a receiving touchdown.
3. 2004: Second Best Career Season
2004 was Shaun Alexander’s first All-Pro season, an honor that was well deserved. That year, Alexander ran for 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also caught four touchdowns from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Seattle would make the playoffs that season with a 9-7 record, but lost in the first round to the Steelers. Seahawk fans were heartbroken, but they would not have to wait long for glory.
4. 2005: NFL MVP Season
2005 was Mr. Touchdown’s best season in the NFL. He was named a Pro Bowler for the third year in a row, an All-Pro for the second year in a row, won the rushing title, was named Offensive Player of the Year, and was crowned NFL MVP. He rushed for 1,880 yards and scored 27 touchdowns. Only LaDainian Tomlinson has rushed for more TDs in a single season.
Thanks to Alexander’s MVP year, the Seahawks dominated their division and won the NFC West with a 13-3 record. They defeated the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship thanks to a 132-yard, two-touchdown performance from Alexander.
Seattle faced Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl, but unfortunately lost 21-10. Alexander rushed for 95 yards that game, but was never able to find the endzone.
Decline
Sadly, Shaun Alexander would never be able to replicate his 2005 MVP season. A series of unfortunate events occurred that began to limit Alexander’s production. A fractured foot in 2006, followed by a broken wrist in 2007. The offensive line that used to protect him began to weaken and decline, making it harder for Alexander to replicate his former success. His signature hesitation move could easily be stopped as he lost his explosive burst.
His final season for Seattle came in 2007, where he played 10 games and rushed for 716 yards. His final NFL season came the following year with Washington. Alexander suited up for four games, rushing for 24 yards and no touchdowns. After nine years, his NFL career was over.
Closing
Shaun Alexander’s career was cut short by injuries, and his name does not often appear in NFL conversations. It’s important to remember how good Mr. Touchdown was. He is one of the best running backs in Seattle Seahawks history and an NFL MVP. His career may have been cut short, but in his heyday, he was one hell of a player.
