LB Kwon Alexander is already ‘an infectious leader’ for Saints after just 2 games

When the New Orleans Saints traded for linebacker Kwon Alexander in early November, they knew what they were getting on the field with the red-haired former LSU standout.

In the time since, Alexander is fitting in and then some — despite having only played two games for the Saints.

“I feel his personality immediately now,” coach Sean Payton said. “It feels like he has been here eight weeks. And that’s a good thing. His work ethic on the field, he’s an infectious leader.”

That energy is what sets him apart. After Alexander’s first game as a Saint, fellow linebacker Demario Davis immediately noted Alexander’s speed: “I kept telling him when he came to the sideline, ‘Oh my goodness, you’re so fast,'” Davis said after the game against the San Francisco 49ers.

In his second game as a Saint, Alexander tallied three tackles and had a pass breakup — nearly picking off Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in the fourth quarter.

And that’s a play that stood out for starting nickel back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. 

“You (saw) a glimpse of the athleticism,” Gardner-Johnson said on the near-interception. “He almost caught a diving pick. I was so happy for him, but he knows that’s 100 push ups. But I’m just glad he’s comfortable.”

Starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins compared Alexander to Gardner-Johnson earlier this week, saying that the pair’s energy is similar. 

“They just like, talk, dance, play fast and make plays,” Jenkins said. “He was a great addition to the team. As you can see, he’s been playing his role very well. And we look forward to him continuing to do that. And we’re just going go out there and have fun.”

Alexander isn’t hiding that he’s having fun. He already has lengthy choreographed handshakes with his teammates and has been spotted dancing on the sideline with Davis.

The two’s moves to Mouse and Level’s “I Bet U Won’t” went viral with a video posted by a fan in the stands, reaching at least 36,000 views.

Alexander said Friday the energy he brings is very important, but he was quick to note the Saints have several energy guys that were here before he got here.

“I just get up, get to it and try to bring everybody with me,” Alexander said. “When I came here, everybody already had their own energy. So, I’m just here to boost it up.”

It’s not just the defense feeling Alexander’s enthusiasm. 

Starting right tackle Ryan Ramczyk said the offense feeds off the defense when they’re all fired up, and starting center Erik McCoy said he “100%” sees Alexander’s energy spread through the team.

“When he’s out there on the field, he’s got hand shakes with everybody after every big play, dapping it up, dancing and doing the whole thing,” McCoy said. “So he came in and meshed and was a fit right away, which was really good to see for our defense.”

Alexander said credit goes to the Saints for welcoming him in immediately, which in turn has helped him fit in to the locker room culture and the team so quickly.

He said he still has more to learn and he’s getting more comfortable every day, and what makes it even better for him is to play alongside an All-Pro in Davis.

“It’s fun out there playing with Demario, man,” Alexander said. “He’s so smart, very athletic. Just being next to him, just a lot of knowledge right next to me. And with us working together, man, we can be the best.”

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