Joe Alexander, 1916-20
Guard/Center
5-11, 210
Syracuse, N.Y.
Central HS
College Football Hall of Fame Class of 1954
1918 All-American
1919 All-American
1920 All-American
An amazing lineman for the Orange, Alexander played on both sides of the ball during his SU career. Alexander is one of few players who have earned the distinction of being named first-team All-American at two positions, at guard in 1918-1919 and at center in 1920.
In 1919, Syracuse faced a Pittsburgh team that had not lost in four seasons, coached by football legend Pop Warner. Alexander led Syracuse to an easy 24-3 victory to snap the Panthers' streak. Alexander helped the Orange break another streak in 1920, when they became the first team to beat Dartmouth at home in 16 years. That year against Colgate, Alexander recorded tackles on an astounding 11 consecutive plays as the Orange won 14-0 to end the season at 6-2-1.
Alexander graduated from SU in 1920 and in 1925, was the first player signed in the history of the New York Giants. In 1927, he led New York to their first NFL championship with an 11-1-1 record.
In addition to his three All-America selections, Alexander was awarded the Syracuse Letterwinner of Distinction award in 1969, the most prestigious honor given to a former student-athlete at Syracuse. In 1999, he was named to Syracuse's All-Century Team. He is also the namesake of the Joe Alexander Award for Excellene in Football, Scholarship and Citizenship.
In 1954, Alexander became the first Syracuse player inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame.
