Alexander Leatherwood Bio
Alexander Leatherwood is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on January 5, 1999, in Pensacola, Florida, Leatherwood emerged as one of the premier offensive linemen in college football during his tenure at the University of Alabama. He captured national attention by winning the Outland Trophy in 2020 as the nation’s top interior lineman and followed that achievement by being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Leatherwood has continued his professional career with multiple NFL franchises following his departure from the Las Vegas Raiders organization.
Early Life and Background
Alexander Leatherwood grew up in Pensacola, Florida, where he attended Booker T. Washington High School. During his high school career, Leatherwood established himself as an exceptional offensive line prospect. He earned first-team All-Area honors from the Pensacola News Journal during both his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he received first-team All-American recognition from Parade Magazine and second-team honors from USA Today. Leatherwood also participated in the All-America Bowl, showcasing his talents against other top high school prospects nationwide.
Leatherwood was rated as a consensus five-star recruit and ranked among the top 10 prospects in his class. His impressive performance at the high school level attracted attention from major college football programs across the country. During his junior year, Leatherwood made his college commitment, choosing to continue his football career at the University of Alabama. His decision to join the Crimson Tide program set the stage for his remarkable collegiate career.
Path to the NFL
Upon enrolling at Alabama a semester early, Leatherwood immediately contributed as a true freshman, appearing in seven games during the 2017 season. His most significant moment came in the 2018 CFP National Championship Game, where he entered the game at left tackle following an injury to starter Jonah Williams in the third quarter. This opportunity demonstrated his readiness for high-pressure situations at the collegiate level. The Crimson Tide won the national championship that season, giving Leatherwood his first college title.
Throughout his college career, Leatherwood demonstrated versatility by playing multiple offensive line positions. During spring practice of his sophomore year, coaches moved him to right tackle. He then shifted to right guard during fall training camp and won the starting job entering that season. Leatherwood started all 15 games for Alabama in 2018, allowing 21 pressures, and earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference recognition from league coaches.
Alexander Leatherwood Career
Alabama Crimson Tide (2017–2020)
Following his sophomore season, Leatherwood returned to left tackle for his junior year. He earned first-team preseason All-SEC honors and second-team preseason All-American recognition from Sporting News. During the 2019 season, Leatherwood started every game for Alabama and received first-team All-SEC honors from the coaches while earning second-team recognition from the media. He also secured first-team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association. After the season, Leatherwood considered entering the 2020 NFL Draft but ultimately decided to return to Alabama for his senior year.
As a senior during the 2020 season, Leatherwood started all 13 games for the Crimson Tide. Alabama captured the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, marking Leatherwood’s second national title with the program. He was named first-team All-SEC for the second consecutive year and shared the Jacobs Blocking Trophy with Alabama center Landon Dickerson. Leatherwood earned unanimous first-team All-America honors and was awarded the prestigious Outland Trophy, recognizing him as the nation’s best interior lineman. His performance during his senior season solidified his status as a top NFL prospect.
Las Vegas Raiders (2021)
Leatherwood was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. On May 24, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with the franchise. The deal, worth $14.39 million with full guarantees, reflected the Raiders’ investment in his potential as a foundational offensive lineman. Leatherwood faced challenges adjusting to the professional level at tackle, which led the coaching staff to transition him to offensive guard during his rookie season. The Raiders waived Leatherwood on August 30, 2022, following his rookie campaign.
Chicago Bears (2022)
On August 31, 2022, Leatherwood was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears. He joined the Bears roster seeking an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities at the professional level. Leatherwood was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list on September 14, 2022, which temporarily sidelined him from team activities. He was activated from the list on October 28, 2022, returning to practice and game action. However, the Bears released Leatherwood on August 27, 2023, concluding his tenure with the organization after one season.
Cleveland Browns (2023)
Following his release from Chicago, Leatherwood signed with the Cleveland Browns practice squad on August 30, 2023. This opportunity allowed him to continue developing his skills while adapting to the professional game. His contract with the Browns expired when the team’s season concluded on January 13, 2024. The stint with Cleveland provided Leatherwood with continued experience in the NFL system as he worked toward establishing himself as a reliable professional player.
Los Angeles Chargers (2024–Present)
On May 29, 2024, Leatherwood signed with the Los Angeles Chargers organization. This move represented another opportunity for the offensive lineman to compete for a roster spot and contribute at the NFL level. He was released by the Chargers on August 27, 2024, but was re-signed to the practice squad following his release. Leatherwood’s tenure with the Chargers continued through much of the 2024 season before he was released on December 10, 2024. Throughout his professional career, Leatherwood has appeared in 21 NFL games, starting 17 of those contests.
Playing Style and Strengths
Leatherwood possesses the size and athleticism typical of successful NFL offensive linemen, measuring 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 312 pounds. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, including left tackle, right tackle, and right guard. Leatherwood’s college performance, particularly his senior season at Alabama, showcased his technique, physicality, and football intelligence. His experience in a prestigious college program under head coach Nick Saban prepared him for the challenges of professional football.
Notable Achievements and Honors
Throughout his football career, Leatherwood has accumulated numerous accolades at both the collegiate and high school levels. His most prestigious honor came in 2020 when he won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior lineman and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top blocker in the SEC. He earned unanimous first-team All-American recognition that same year. Leatherwood was also a two-time CFP national champion with Alabama, capturing titles in 2017 and 2020. His All-SEC recognitions included first-team honors in 2019 and 2020, along with second-team recognition in 2018.
Alexander Leatherwood Career Wins and Honors
Leatherwood’s career encompasses significant achievements spanning his high school, college, and professional football experiences. At the collegiate level, his most notable accomplishments include national championships and individual offensive line awards that distinguished him among college football’s top players.
College Football Highlights
During his time at Alabama, Leatherwood appeared in 48 games across four seasons, starting 41 of them. His championship success included victories in the 2018 and 2021 College Football Playoff National Championships. The 2020 season represented the peak of his collegiate career, as he dominated the competition en route to winning the Outland Trophy and Jacobs Blocking Trophy. His unanimous All-American selection in 2020 recognized him as one of the top players at his position nationwide. Leatherwood’s consistency earned him first-team All-SEC honors in back-to-back seasons.
Professional Career Statistics
Through his first four NFL seasons, Leatherwood has appeared in 21 games with 17 starts across his time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Chargers organizations. While his professional career has not yet reached the heights anticipated when he was drafted in the first round, Leatherwood continues working toward establishing himself as a reliable NFL player. His positional versatility along the offensive line remains a valuable attribute as he pursues additional opportunities in professional football.
Alexander Leatherwood Family
Personal Life
Alexander Leatherwood was born in Pensacola, Florida, on January 5, 1999, and attended Booker T. Washington High School in his hometown. During his time at Alabama in June 2020, Leatherwood demonstrated commitment to social causes by writing a screenplay for a video supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. He appeared in the video alongside fellow Alabama players and their head coach, Nick Saban, showcasing his engagement with issues beyond the football field. Leatherwood has maintained connections to his Florida roots throughout his football journey.
2025 Outlook
As of 2025, Alexander Leatherwood continues pursuing his professional football career following his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. With experience from four NFL franchises, Leatherwood has demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout his professional journey. His collegiate accomplishments, including the Outland Trophy and two national championships at Alabama, attest to his abilities when performing at his best. Leatherwood remains available for opportunities with NFL teams seeking offensive line depth and versatility along their offensive front.