When the last pass from Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan fell incomplete in overtime Sunday, several Buccaneers players ran from the sideline full speed to celebrate with teammates.
Rookie linebacker Kwon Alexander fell to his knees.
Alexander played -- and played very well -- on the same weekend his 17-year-old sibling, Broderick Taylor, was shot to death during a fight in their hometown of Anniston, Ala. Alexander’s final stat line in the Bucs’ 23-20 win over the Falcons included an interception, a fumble recovery and another interception called back by a penalty.
“It has been hard losing my little brother,” Alexander told reporters after the game. “But I know that he would want me to be strong for him, so I came out here and dedicated this game to him.”
Alexander’s takeaway late in the first quarter came at the end of a big catch-and-run by Julio Jones and probably took points off the board. His interception late in the first half led to a field goal.
“I just did it all for him,” Alexander said.
