This is the second part of an ongoing “Homegrown” series that highlights Falcons players from Georgia who have excelled in representing their home state at various levels of football.
On Dee Alford’s 26th birthday, coinciding with the Falcons’ Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, his family and close friends occupied a significant section in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Regardless of the game’s outcome, they were prepared to celebrate Alford’s birthday with enthusiasm.
Among Alford’s friends were former teammates from his days at Tusculum University, some of whom made an early morning drive from afar to support him. The post-game celebration was already planned, involving a journey to Griffin, Ga., where Alford’s father, Felton Jackson, intended to host a gathering with wings, possibly a cake, and positive vibes.
Alford, born in Mississippi but raised in Griffin, considers himself a true Georgia boy. For Jackson, witnessing his son play for the Falcons, the team he has been a fan of since the days of William Andrews, is surreal and deeply gratifying.
Throughout the game, Alford’s friends and family experienced the emotional rollercoaster of every play, from cheering for his punt returns to collectively holding their breath during missed opportunities. Jackson, a proud Falcons fan, shared stories about his son during breaks, highlighting Alford’s journey from a childhood spent honing basketball skills to becoming a standout football player.
In a reflective moment during a TV timeout, Jackson revealed that he possesses three game balls, each gifted by Alford. These include a ball from Alford’s time with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2021, his first intercepted ball in a 2022 Falcons win over the Browns, and a touchdown-return ball from the 2023 preseason game against Miami.
Alford’s path to the NFL was unique, involving college ball in Tennessee, a scholarship earned through hard work, and a stint in the Canadian Football League amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His father emphasized Alford’s relentless work ethic, which persisted even during a year without football when he worked the night shift at FedEx to make ends meet.
Despite the Falcons losing the game against the Vikings and Alford injuring his ankle in the process, the post-game scene was filled with joy and camaraderie. Friends surrounded Alford, offering birthday wishes, hugs, and group photos on the field. Despite the bitter taste of defeat, there was a palpable sense of pride and happiness, encapsulating the essence of the Alford family’s football journey.
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