How a basketball standout returned to football after years of absence
In short: After abandoning organized football during his high school freshman year, Mohamed Alie-Cox emerged years later to sign a professional NFL contract. His journey from a dominant college basketball power forward to a long-tenured tight end for the Indianapolis Colts is a remarkable feat of athletic reinvention.
Before finding success in the NFL, Alie-COx was a standout force on the basketball court for the VCU Rams. Playing as a power forward, he became a defensive icon, earning the nickname “Mo Says No” due to his shot-blocking prowess. During his tenure, he recorded 255 blocks and 663 rebounds across 103 games, even leading VCU to its inaugural Atlantic 10 Conference championship. His efficiency was unmatched, as he holds the school record for the highest field goal percentage. Beyond his defensive impact, he contributed 1,092 points and 112 assists during his time in the college ranks.
His transition to professional football was unconventional. Having not participated in organized football since his freshman year of high school, Alie-Cox signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2017. His early NFL career was marked by the volatility of roster moves, including being placed on injured reserve following a leg injury in August 2017 and navigating several stints on the practice squad. The transition was not without physical setbacks, as a lower leg injury led to him being waived/injured shortly after his initial signing. He eventually found his footing on the practice squad before earning a reserve/future contract for the 2018 season.
Despite the initial hurdles, Alie-Cox established himself as a reliable presence for the Colts. A defining moment occurred on October 28, 2018, when he caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andrew Luck in a victory against the Oakland Raiders. Over nine seasons with the franchise, he evolved from a developmental player into a consistent contributor, securing multiple contract extensions, including a significant three-year, $18 million deal signed in March 2022. His production remained steady through various seasons, including a notable 2020 campaign where he recorded 31 receptions for 394 yards. Even as he entered the later stages of his career, he continued to secure his place with the team through annual contract renewals.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Mo Alie-Cox
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