Alex Reed Singleton Bio
Alex Reed Singleton is a Canadian-American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 7, 1993, in Thousand Oaks, California, Singleton played college football for the Montana State Bobcats before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 2015. His career has spanned multiple NFL teams and included an acclaimed stint in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Calgary Stampeders. Singleton joined the Broncos in 2022 and signed a three-year, $18 million extension in March 2023.
Early Life and Background
Singleton grew up in Thousand Oaks, California, where he attended Thousand Oaks High School. His athletic abilities were evident early, and he developed a passion for football during his teenage years. His multicultural background proved significant to his professional future. His mother was born in Toronto, Ontario, which allowed Singleton to acquire Canadian citizenship in October 2015 and qualify as a Canadian player in the CFL under dual-citizenship rules.
After graduating from Thousand Oaks High School, Singleton pursued higher education at Montana State University, where he would lay the foundation for his professional football career.
Path to Professional Football
Singleton played college football for the Montana State Bobcats from 2011 to 2014. His performance as a linebacker caught the attention of NFL scouts despite going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks on May 8, 2015, demonstrating his determination to earn a spot at the professional level. Singleton signed a three-year contract worth $1,578,500 with a $3,500 signing bonus, though he was released during final roster cuts on September 5, 2015. He was signed to the New England Patriots practice squad three days later but was released again on September 15, 2015. On December 22, 2015, the Minnesota Vikings added him to their practice squad.
Seeking more consistent playing opportunities, Singleton entered the 2016 CFL Draft, where the Calgary Stampeders selected him with the sixth overall pick in the first round. This move allowed him to showcase his defensive talents on a bigger stage north of the border.
Alex Reed Singleton Career
Calgary Stampeders (2016–2018)
Singleton signed with the Calgary Stampeders on May 17, 2016, and made his CFL debut on June 25, 2016, against the BC Lions. He quickly established himself as a defensive force, playing in all 18 regular season games and both playoff games during his rookie CFL season. He recorded 65 defensive tackles, 9 special teams tackles, and 3 forced fumbles, demonstrating his ability to make an immediate impact.
His 2017 season was exceptional. Singleton accumulated 121 tackles, setting a new single-season record for the Stampeders franchise. He was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player and won the Norm Fieldgate Trophy, recognizing him as the league’s top defensive player. He earned his first CFL All-Star selection that year. In 2018, Singleton continued his dominant play with 123 tackles and was named to the CFL All-Star team for the second consecutive year. The Stampeders won the Grey Cup championship that season, adding a championship ring to Singleton’s resume. On January 7, 2019, he was released by the Stampeders to pursue NFL opportunities.
Philadelphia Eagles (2019–2021)
Singleton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on January 7, 2019. He played in all four preseason games, recording 28 defensive tackles and one forced fumble. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019, but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On October 16, 2019, he was promoted to the active roster following the release of linebacker Zach Brown. He appeared in 10 games that season, primarily on special teams.
The 2020 season marked a breakthrough for Singleton in Philadelphia. In Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football, he recorded his first career interception off Nick Mullens and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown during the 25-20 win. By Week 6, he became a starting linebacker. In Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, he led the team with 12 tackles, recorded his first career sack against Baker Mayfield, and recovered a fumble. In Week 17 against Washington, he led the team with 14 tackles and recorded another sack. He finished the season with 120 tackles in 11 starts, earning an additional $464,296 through performance-based pay.
In 2021, Singleton was voted by his teammates to serve as a team captain. He regained the starting linebacker position after initially being relegated to backup and led the Eagles with 137 tackles, the most by any Eagle since Byron Evans in 1992. In the Wild Card game against Tampa Bay, he recorded 16 tackles including 4 tackles for loss and one sack.
Denver Broncos (2022–Present)
On March 18, 2022, Singleton signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos reportedly worth $1.1 million with incentives. The move reunited him with quarterback Russell Wilson, whom he had previously encountered during his brief time in Seattle. During Week 6 of the 2022 season against the Los Angeles Chargers, Singleton recorded 19 solo tackles and 21 combined tackles in the 19-16 overtime loss. His 19 solo tackles tied Derrick Brooks for the second-most solo tackles in a single game in NFL history. He finished the 2022 season ranking fifth in the NFL with 163 combined tackles.
On March 13, 2023, Singleton signed a three-year, $18 million extension with $9 million guaranteed. Prior to the 2024 season, he was voted by his teammates to serve as a captain. In Week 1 against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks, he intercepted a pass by Geno Smith on the opening drive. In Week 3 against Tampa Bay, he ruptured his ACL in the first quarter but still managed to play every defensive snap for the rest of the game before being placed on season-ending injured reserve on September 25. During the 2025 season, Singleton started 16 games and led the Broncos with 135 tackles, earning a Pro Bowl alternate selection. On January 17, 2026, in a Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills with Denver trailing, Singleton forced a fumble on Bills running back James Cook that was recovered by teammate Talanoa Hufanga, shifting momentum in Denver’s favor in a 33-30 overtime victory. On March 10, 2026, he signed a two-year, $15.5 million extension with the Broncos.
Playing Style and Strengths
Singleton is known for his high tackling volume and ability to read plays quickly. His experience in both the CFL and NFL has developed his versatility, allowing him to play multiple linebacker positions effectively. His instincts in run defense and his ability to drop into coverage make him a complete defender. His leadership qualities have been recognized by teammates, earning him captain roles with both the Eagles and Broncos.
Notable Events and Milestones
Singleton’s career has been marked by remarkable statistical achievements. His 19 solo tackles in a single game in 2022 tied an NFL record and showcased his exceptional play-making ability. He has recorded multiple interception return touchdowns, including a 30-yard pick-six against the 49ers in 2020 and a 29-yard interception return against the Giants in 2021. His playoff performance against Buffalo in January 2026, playing through a torn ACL the previous season, demonstrated his resilience and determination.
Alex Reed Singleton Statistics
Singleton has compiled impressive career statistics across both the NFL and CFL. In the NFL, he has recorded 768 total tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 17 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns through the 2025 season. In the CFL, he recorded 328 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 interception during his three seasons with Calgary.
| League | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 768 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| CFL Career | 328 | 4 | 1 | — |
Alex Reed Singleton Personal Life
Singleton’s older sister Ashley was born with Down syndrome and participates as a Special Olympics athlete, having won multiple gold medals. Due to their relationship, Singleton has become a major advocate for the Special Olympics and other disability-friendly events, using his platform to raise awareness and support for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
On November 3, 2025, Singleton was diagnosed with testicular cancer after a random drug test revealed an elevated human chorionic gonadotropin level. He underwent surgery to remove the cancer on November 7. Despite his diagnosis, he continued to play, earning the Broncos’ 2025 Ed Block Courage Award for his performance in Week 10 against the Raiders while undergoing treatment. His resilience in the face of adversity has been celebrated throughout the football community.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a significant year for Singleton despite his cancer diagnosis midway through the year. He started 16 games and led the Broncos with 135 tackles, establishing himself as the anchor of Denver’s defense. His consistency and durability earned him recognition as a Pro Bowl alternate, validating his status as one of the league’s top linebackers. The Broncos’ defense showed improvement throughout the season, with Singleton serving as both a statistical leader and a vocal leader in the locker room.
Singleton’s impact extended beyond individual performance. As a team captain, he helped foster a winning culture in Denver that translated into playoff success. The Broncos’ playoff run, including their dramatic overtime victory over Buffalo in the Divisional Round, showcased Singleton’s ability to deliver in crucial moments. His forced fumble in that game proved to be the turning point that sent Denver to the next round, highlighting his clutch performances when the stakes were highest.