Maurice Alexander Jr. Bio
Maurice Alexander Jr. is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 10, 1997, in Florida City, Florida, Alexander attended Booker T. Washington High School in Miami before playing college football for the FIU Panthers. Although he went undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, he was selected in the eighth round of the 2022 USFL draft by the Philadelphia Stars. Alexander has since developed into a versatile offensive weapon, combining his experience as a former quarterback with his current role as a receiving threat and return specialist. He signed with the Chicago Bears in January 2025 and continues to pursue his NFL career with the organization.
Early Life and Background
Maurice Alexander Jr. grew up in Florida City, Florida, under the guidance of his parents, Maurice Alexander Sr. and Kevia Morrison. He has one sibling, Maurkevia. Alexander attended Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, where he emerged as a dual-threat quarterback during his high school career. His athletic talent was evident from an early age, as he showcased both his arm strength and running ability on the field.
During his junior year, Alexander threw for 2,111 yards and 26 touchdowns, earning Second-team All-Miami Dade County selection and being named the 2014 Team MVP for the Booker T. Washington Tornadoes. His senior season proved to be his most impressive, as he guided the Tornadoes to a perfect 15-0 season. Alexander threw for 3,060 yards and 32 touchdowns while adding 466 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. His performance culminated in a state championship, as he led the team to a 34-28 victory in the 2015 Burger King State Champions Bowl Series against Bingham Miners. Alexander notably scored the winning touchdown on the ground in that championship game.
Following his exceptional senior season, Alexander received numerous accolades, including Dade County Player of the Year, First-team All-Dade County, Class 4A First-team All-State, and Booker T. Washington Offensive MVP. His success at the high school level established him as a promising collegiate prospect.
Path to American Football
After his standout high school career, Alexander was recruited to Florida International University (FIU) as a dual-threat quarterback. He redshirted the 2015 season before appearing in eight games as a redshirt freshman in 2016, primarily serving as a backup to Alex McGough. Alexander finished that season with 613 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with 109 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
In the 2017 season, Alexander appeared in eight games for the Panthers. When McGough suffered a fractured collarbone during the 2017 Gasparilla Bowl, Alexander stepped in and completed 16 of 33 passes for 162 yards, though the team lost the game 28-3. At the beginning of his redshirt junior year, Alexander made a significant position change, switching from quarterback to wide receiver. This transition proved beneficial as he appeared in 13 games, starting nine, and finished first on the team in receptions with 40, second in receiving touchdowns with five, and third in receiving yards with 474.
Against UMass during that season, Alexander made history by becoming the first FIU Panther in school history to score both a receiving and punt return touchdown in the same game. He earned First-team All-Conference USA recognition as a punt returner for his performance. His 2019 season ended prematurely after nine games due to a season-ending injury against Old Dominion, but he continued to showcase his return ability with a 90-yard punt return touchdown against UMass, the longest of the season in the FBS. Alexander finished his college career with 2019 First-team All-C-USA honors.
Maurice Alexander Jr. Career
Early Career (2022)
Following his college career, Alexander went unsigned as an undrafted free agent in the 2020 NFL draft. He continued to pursue his professional football dreams and was eventually selected by the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League (USFL) on February 23, 2022. Alexander was chosen with the eighth pick in the 17th round, 139th overall, during the draft. Wide receivers became eligible for selection between rounds 13-17, and Alexander was the penultimate wide receiver selected in the draft proper.
Despite primarily being used as a return specialist, Alexander made an immediate impact with the Stars. He earned Week 2 All-USFL Team honors after a standout performance against the Pittsburgh Maulers, where he accumulated 186 all-purpose yards, 87 receiving yards on eight receptions, and two receiving touchdowns. He led the team in both kick and punt return yards throughout the season, demonstrating his versatility and value to the roster.
Philadelphia Stars USFL Breakthrough (2022)
Alexander’s debut season in the USFL proved to be a launching pad for his professional career. His 186 all-purpose yard performance in Week 2 showcased his ability to make an impact in multiple facets of the game. Beyond his receiving duties, his excellence as a return specialist proved crucial for the Stars’ special teams unit. Alexander’s ability to contribute immediately as a rookie demonstrated his preparedness and football intelligence developed during his transition from quarterback to wide receiver.
His strong performance throughout the 2022 USFL season earned him All-USFL Team honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top young talents. Alexander led the USFL in kickoff return yards during that season, further establishing his importance to any team he would join. The USFL experience provided Alexander with valuable professional-level reps and confidence heading into his pursuit of an NFL roster spot.
Detroit Lions (2022–2024)
Alexander signed with the Detroit Lions on August 3, 2022, marking his entry into the NFL. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 30 and signed to the practice squad the following day. Alexander was promoted to the active roster on October 8 but was waived just two days later. He rejoined the practice squad on October 12 and received another promotion to the active roster on October 22. Alexander experienced additional roster fluctuations later that month before signing a reserve/future contract with Detroit on January 9, 2023.
Throughout the 2023 season, Alexander continued to work within the Lions organization. He was waived on August 29, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad the following day before signing another reserve/future contract on January 30, 2024. During the 2024 season, Alexander again navigated the roster shuffle common for players on the margins of NFL rosters. He was waived on August 27, 2024, re-signed to the practice squad on November 13, promoted to the active roster on November 27, and returned to the practice squad by December 4.
Across his time with the Lions, Alexander appeared in limited game action, recording one reception for seven receiving yards. His primary contributions came on special teams as a returner, where his speed and elusiveness translated from his USFL success.
Chicago Bears (2025–Present)
Alexander signed with the Chicago Bears on January 31, 2025, providing him with a fresh opportunity to establish himself in the NFL. He was allocated jersey number 13 with his new team. Alexander was waived as part of the Bears’ final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, and signed to the practice squad the following day. On January 20, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract with Chicago, ensuring his place on the roster heading into the 2026 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Alexander’s unique background as a former quarterback gives him exceptional field awareness and football intelligence that sets him apart from many wide receivers. His experience reading defenses from under center translates to enhanced route-running IQ and the ability to find open spaces in coverage. As a return specialist, Alexander demonstrates quick acceleration, elusiveness in the open field, and reliable hands. His background as a dual-threat player in college means he possesses breakaway speed that keeps defenses honest.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Alexander’s most notable achievements was his historic performance against UMass during his redshirt junior season at FIU, when he became the first Panther in school history to record both a receiving and punt return touchdown in the same game. In the USFL, his 186 all-purpose yard performance with two receiving touchdowns showcased his ability to be a difference-maker on offense. His selection to the All-USFL Team and leading the league in kickoff return yards in 2022 represented significant milestones in his professional career.
Maurice Alexander Jr. Career Wins
Alexander has accumulated notable achievements across his collegiate and professional career. His collegiate success includes First-team All-Conference USA recognition and multiple single-game records at FIU. In his professional debut season, he earned All-USFL honors and led the league in kickoff return yards.
USFL Highlights
During his rookie season in the USFL, Alexander established himself as one of the league’s top performers. His All-USFL Team selection and league lead in kickoff return yards validated his transition from quarterback to wide receiver. His standout 186 all-purpose yard game with two receiving touchdowns demonstrated his potential as an offensive weapon at the professional level.
Other Wins and Performances
At the collegiate level, Alexander’s career highlight includes leading Booker T. Washington to a perfect 15-0 season and a state championship in 2015. His individual accolades included Dade County Player of the Year, First-team All-Dade County, and Class 4A First-team All-State honors. At FIU, his position switch to wide receiver produced immediate results, including First-team All-C-USA recognition and his historic double-touchdown performance against UMass.
| Competition Level | Notable Achievement | Year |
|---|---|---|
| High School | State Champion, Dade County Player of the Year | 2015 |
| College (FIU) | First-team All-Conference USA | 2018, 2019 |
| USFL | All-USFL Team, Kickoff Return Yards Leader | 2022 |
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Maurice Alexander Jr. comes from an athletic family with strong football connections. He is the son of Maurice Alexander Sr. and Kevia Morrison. His family includes three cousins who played American football at the collegiate level: Shaun Terry and Nate Terry, both of whom played at West Virginia, and James Terry, who played at Kansas State. This football lineage in his family likely contributed to his development and passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Alexander maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans under the handles hardtime__3 on Instagram and _hardtime3 on Twitter. He has one sibling named Maurkevia. Despite the challenges of navigating roster transactions throughout his professional career, Alexander has remained committed to his football career and continues to work toward establishing himself as a reliable NFL player.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Alexander’s career as he joined the Chicago Bears organization. After signing on January 31, 2025, he competed for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason. His experience as a return specialist and his versatility on special teams gave him an opportunity to contribute to the Bears’ roster. Alexander was allocated jersey number 13 with his new team.
Following roster cuts on August 26, 2025, Alexander cleared waivers and joined the Bears’ practice squad, allowing him to continue developing within the organization. His ability to contribute on special teams remained his primary path to the active roster. The Bears’ coaching staff evaluated his progress throughout the season, looking for opportunities to utilize his unique skill set.
His signing of a reserve/futures contract on January 20, 2026, indicated the Bears’ continued interest in his development. Alexander’s journey from undrafted free agent to USFL standout to NFL roster player demonstrates his resilience and determination. With his combination of college production, professional experience, and special teams ability, he positioned himself for continued opportunities in the league.
