Shaun Alexander: The Forgotten Greatness of an NFL MVP
Shaun Alexander’s name rarely enters the debate when discussing all-time great running backs. Yet, the former Seattle Seahawks superstar, Alabama Crimson Tide legend, and Boone County, Kentucky, native was, for a brief time, the most dominant back in the NFL. His meteoric rise and sudden fall remain one of football’s most debated stories.
Drafted 19th overall by Seattle in 2000, Alexander quickly became the face of the franchise. By 2005, he had rewritten the record books—rushing for 1,880 yards and an NFL-record 27 touchdowns, winning league MVP, and leading the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance. He wasn’t just a product of a great offensive line; his vision, patience, and explosiveness made him elite. Yet, despite his success, Alexander never fully received the same respect as other top backs of his era.
Then came the collapse. Injuries, a declining offensive line, and whispers that he “ran soft” led to his rapid decline. By 2008, he was out of the league. Critics claimed he lacked toughness, while supporters argued that his short peak was simply the nature of the brutal running back position.
Was Alexander unfairly dismissed? Some say his downfall was inevitable, but others believe his reputation was tarnished by a false narrative. Regardless, his legacy remains—an MVP, a Seahawks icon, and a player whose greatness was both undeniable and, perhaps, underappreciated.
