Kwon Alexander’s big games comes after tragic loss of brother The Tampa Tribune, published 2 November 2015 Facing down Matt Ryan is enough of a challenge for any rookie middle linebacker in the NFL. But Kwon Alexander of the Buccaneers had considerably more on his mind than Atlanta’s veteran quarterback entering Sunday’s matchup at the Georgia Dome. Alexander’s 17-year-old brother, Broderick Taylor II, was shot and killed during a fight Friday night in Alabama, the Anniston (Ala.) Star reported. “Our hearts were heavy all weekend,’’ Bucs general manager Jason Licht said. Alexander, a fourth-round draft choice from LSU who has started every game, could have declined to play against the Falcons. “It’s been hard losing my little brother,’’ he said. “I came out here and dedicated this game to him. I was very determined. It was the only thing on my mind and it was all for him. He would want me to (play). I know he’s looking up there and he’s smiling.’’ Alexander played a dynamic game from the start. His 93-yard return with an apparent interception was nullified by an offside penalty against Bucs defensive end Jacquies Smith during Atlanta’s initial drive, but Alexander was just getting started. On Atlanta’s next possession, Alexander stripped the ball from wide receiver Julio Jones after a 35-yard gain and returned the fumble 20 yards to set up a Connor Barth field goal. Late in the opening half, Alexander intercepted a Ryan pass that counted, returning it 15 yards to midfield. That theft led to a Jameis Winston touchdown pass and a 13-3 halftime advantage. “Kwon played a heck of a game,’’ fellow linebacker Lavonte David said. “We felt we had to play inspired football for him. The whole game, he’s telling me he needs me — and I’m telling him that I need him, that I have his back.’’ Alexander finished with a game-high 11 tackles and received a game ball from veteran guard Logan Mankins. He described his brother as “a goofy guy who loves to make people laugh,’’ and said he appreciates the support of his teamates in his hour of need. They mean so much to me,’’ he said. “Losing my brother, then for my team to be my brothers, it means a lot to me that they were there for me.’’