Alex Singleton

Early Life and Collegiate Career

Alex Reed Singleton was born on December 7, 1993, and holds dual Canadian American citizenship, qualifying through his mother who was born in Toronto. He played football at the collegiate level for the Montana State Bobcats, where he developed the skills that would define his professional career. His performance at Montana State built the foundation for his professional ambitions, though he entered the professional ranks without being selected in the NFL draft. The college experience provided fundamental training in tackling and defensive schemes that he would later apply in both the CFL and NFL. This period also instilled a work ethic that proved essential for the challenges of an undrafted path, requiring him to earn every opportunity through tryouts and practice squad invitations.

Early NFL Stints and Practice Squads

Singleton's initial NFL opportunity began on May 8, 2015, when he signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Seattle Seahawks. His contract was for three years and worth $1,578,500, and he received a $3,500 signing bonus. He was released by the Seahawks on September 5, 2015, during final roster cuts before the regular season. Just three days later, he was signed to the practice squad of the New England Patriots, though his stay was brief, ending with his release on September 15. His final NFL practice squad opportunity of 2015 came with the Minnesota Vikings, who signed him on December 22 before releasing him the following April on April 13, 2016. These short-lived experiences were important in his professional development, exposing him to different defensive systems and coaching philosophies. They hardened his resolve to continue his football career and demonstrated the competitive nature of NFL roster construction.

CFL Stardom with the Calgary Stampeders

After acquiring a Canadian passport in October 2015, Singleton became eligible for the CFL draft as a national player under revised league rules. The Calgary Stampeders selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 CFL draft, and he signed with the team on May 17, 2016. Singleton made his CFL debut on June 25, 2016, against the BC Lions, beginning a successful three-year tenure. He quickly became a defensive leader, playing in all 18 regular season games in his rookie year and contributing 65 defensive tackles, 9 special teams tackles, and 3 forced fumbles. His 2017 season was spectacular, as he recorded 121 tackles going into week 20, the most in Calgary Stampeders history at that point. He was announced as the team's nominee for the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player, Most Outstanding Canadian, and Most Outstanding Player awards, sweeping all votes in the defensive and Canadian player categories.

Singleton's 2018 season was equally strong, matching his previous year's output with 123 tackles and adding 6 special teams tackles and 2 forced fumbles. He earned his second CFL All-Star selection that year. His time in Calgary was statistically prolific and ended with a Grey Cup championship, the CFL's equivalent of the Super Bowl. The CFL experience provided Singleton with consistent starting playing time and the confidence needed to refine his skills as a linebacker. He has publicly credited his three years in Canada as foundational to his subsequent NFL success, stating the league was essential to his development. On January 7, 2019, the Stampeders released Singleton so he could pursue NFL opportunities, concluding a chapter that made him a star in Canada.

• 2016: Drafted 6th overall by Calgary. Made debut June 25. 65 defensive tackles, 9 special teams tackles, 3 forced fumbles.
• 2017: Recorded 121 tackles, a then-Stampeders record. Nominated for three CFL major awards.
• 2018: 123 tackles, 6 special teams tackles, 2 forced fumbles. Second CFL All-Star selection. Won Grey Cup championship.
• 2019: Released by Calgary on January 7 to pursue NFL return.

Establishing an NFL Career with Philadelphia

Singleton returned to the NFL on January 7, 2019, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles alongside CFL teammate Marken Michel. He played in all four preseason games for the Eagles, contributing 28 defensive tackles and one forced fumble. After being waived during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019, he was re-signed to the team's practice squad the next day. He earned a promotion to the active roster on October 16, 2019, following the release of linebacker Zach Brown, and played in 10 games exclusively on special teams. His breakthrough came in the 2020 season when an injury to T.J. Edwards moved him into a defensive role. In Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers, he intercepted a pass from Nick Mullens and returned it 30 yards for his first career touchdown during a 25-20 win.

By Week 6 of the 2020 season, he had secured a starting linebacker position. In Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, he led the team with 12 tackles, sacked Baker Mayfield once, and recovered a fumble. He finished the 2020 season playing in all regular season games with 11 starts, leading the Eagles with 120 tackles and earning an additional $464,296 through performance-based pay. His production continued to rise in 2021, as he was voted a team captain and again led the Eagles in tackles with 137, the most by an Eagle since Byron Evans in 1992. He added a second career interception returned for a touchdown against the New York Giants in Week 16. In the 2021 wild card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Singleton led the team with 16 tackles, which included 4 tackles for loss and one sack in the 31-15 loss.

Leadership and Statistical Peak in Denver

He immediately became a tackling force, recording a career-high 163 combined tackles in his first season, which ranked fifth in the NFL. A standout performance came in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where his 19 solo tackles and 21 combined tackles in an overtime loss tied Derrick Brooks for the second-most solo tackles in a single game in NFL history. His strong play earned him a three-year, $18 million contract extension with $9 million guaranteed on March 13, 2023. The 2023 season was his most productive statistically, as he recorded 175 tackles, the most by a Bronco since at least 1991, and posted 13 double-digit tackle games, the most in a single season by any NFL player since at least 1999.

Prior to the 2024 season, Singleton was voted a captain by his teammates. On the opening drive of the Broncos' Week 1 game against the Seattle Seahawks, he intercepted a pass by Geno Smith. In Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Singleton ruptured his ACL but played every defensive snap for the rest of the game. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on September 25, having recorded 31 tackles and one interception in just three games. His comeback in 2025 was successful, as he started 16 games, led the Broncos with 135 tackles, and was named an alternate for the Pro Bowl. He recorded one sack, four passes defensed, three tackles for loss, and one forced fumble during the regular season.

2025 Playoff Run and Health Battle

The 2025 season presented unique challenges and triumphs for Singleton. On November 3, 2025, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer after a random drug test showed an raised human chorionic gonadotropin level. He underwent surgery for the cancer to be removed on November 7, 2025. Despite this, he played in a Week 10 game against the Las Vegas Raiders just days before his surgery, collecting nine tackles in a 10-7 win. For playing through his condition, he received the Broncos' 2025 Ed Block Courage Award. He missed only one game during his treatment and recovery. In the postseason, Singleton started both of Denver's playoff games. In the AFC Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills on January 17, 2026, with Denver trailing, he tackled Bills running back James Cook and forced a fumble which was recovered by teammate Talanoa Hufanga. The play shifted the momentum, and Denver ultimately won 33-30 in overtime. Singleton's 14 tackles in that game set a franchise postseason record since 1994. He added a team-high 12 tackles in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots. His performance through injury and illness cemented his reputation for toughness.

Contract Status and Team Role

Following the 2025 season, Singleton's future with the Broncos was secured. On March 10, 2026, he signed a two-year, $15.5 million contract extension with the team. This deal followed his previous three-year, $18 million extension signed in 2023. General manager George Paton had indicated the team intended to bring Singleton back. His role on the team extends beyond statistics. He is a team captain, a mentor to younger linebackers like Justin Strnad, and is viewed as a coach on the field. Despite being 32 years old during the 2026 season, the Broncos showed confidence in his continued production by giving him a raise. Only the 2026 season of his new contract is guaranteed, meaning he must continue to perform at a high level. His intangible impact was recognized when he was honoured as the Broncos' nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for the 2026 season, reflecting his community work and leadership.

Advocacy and Personal Life

Singleton's life off the field is influenced by his family, particularly his older sister, Ashley, who was born with Down syndrome. Ashley is a Special Olympics athlete who has won multiple gold medals, and her journey has inspired Singleton to become an advocate for the Special Olympics and other disability-inclusion initiatives. This advocacy is a part of his identity and has been recognized through his nomination for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. His commitment to community service and using his platform for positive change is an aspect of his legacy beyond football. In November 2025, Singleton faced a severe health crisis when a routine drug test revealed higher hormone levels, leading to a diagnosis of testicular cancer. He underwent successful surgery on November 7, 2025, and showed significant fortitude by playing in a game just days before his procedure and missing only one contest during his treatment. His public handling of the diagnosis, his quick return to the field, and his openness about the experience have provided inspiration to many. The Broncos organization praised his courage, honouring him with the team's Ed Block Courage Award for the 2025 season.

Playing Style and Career Impact

Alex Singleton is defined by a relentless, high-motor playing style centred on exceptional tackling production and football intelligence. He is not mainly a coverage specialist but has shown improvement in that area, relying instead on instinct, physicality, and pursuit to stop ball carriers. His path from the CFL to NFL starter shows perseverance, proving that development outside the traditional NFL pipeline can yield strong results. Coaches and teammates highlight his leadership, work ethic, and role as a 'coach on the field,' especially for younger players. His career impact is measured in tackle statistics and his embodiment of resilience, having overcome being undrafted, serious injury, and a cancer diagnosis to remain a productive defensive captain. For Canadian football fans, he represents a successful model of a player who honed his craft in the CFL before excelling in the NFL, inspiring athletes to consider all routes to professional success. His specific statistical achievements, such as his 19 solo tackle game and his 175 tackle season, place him among the most productive linebackers of his era despite his unconventional entry into the league.

Questions about Alex Singleton

What was Alex Singleton's major health challenge in 2025?

In November 2025, Alex Singleton was diagnosed with testicular cancer after a routine drug test showed raised hormone levels. He underwent surgery to remove the cancer on November 7, 2025. Showing remarkable toughness, he played in a Week 10 game against the Raiders just days before his surgery and missed only one game during his treatment. He was subsequently awarded the Broncos' 2025 Ed Block Courage Award for his perseverance.

How did Alex Singleton perform in the CFL?

Singleton was a star in the CFL for the Calgary Stampeders from 2016 to 2018. He was a two-time CFL All-Star, set a then-Stampeders record with 121 tackles in 2017, and won a Grey Cup championship in 2018. In his rookie season, he had 65 defensive tackles and 3 forced fumbles. He has frequently credited his three seasons in Canada as being essential to his development and subsequent NFL success, providing him with starting experience and confidence.

Is Alex Singleton Canadian?

Yes, Alex Singleton is a Canadian American dual citizen. He qualified for Canadian citizenship because his mother was born in Toronto, and he acquired a Canadian passport in October 2015. This status was crucial for his professional career as it allowed him to be drafted by the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL and count as a national player under league rules. His time in the CFL, where he was a two time All Star, was foundational to his development and eventual NFL success. He has credited his CFL years for his achievements in the NFL.

What team does Alex Singleton play for now?

Alex Singleton currently plays as an inside linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He initially signed a one year contract with the Broncos in March 2022. Following a career year in 2022 where he ranked fifth in the NFL in combined tackles, he signed a three year, $18 million contract extension in March 2023. Most recently, in March 2026, he signed a further two year, $15.5 million contract extension with Denver. He has been voted a team captain by his teammates and has been a leading tackler for the Broncos.

What is Alex Singleton's connection to the Special Olympics?

Alex Singleton is a major advocate for the Special Olympics, inspired by his personal life. His older sister, Ashley, was born with Down syndrome and participates as a Special Olympics athlete, having won multiple gold medals. Due to their close relationship, Singleton actively supports the Special Olympics and other disability friendly events. His community involvement and advocacy in this area contributed to him being the Broncos' nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for the 2026 season.

What is Alex Singleton's most notable NFL statistical achievement?

A highly notable statistical achievement for Alex Singleton occurred in Week 6 of the 2022 season. Playing for the Denver Broncos against the Los Angeles Chargers, he recorded 19 solo tackles and 21 combined tackles in an overtime loss. His 19 solo tackles tied the legendary Derrick Brooks for the second most solo tackles in a single game in NFL history. That same 2022 season, he ranked fifth in the entire NFL with 163 combined tackles, showing his consistent productivity and tackling prowess as a linebacker.

Sources and further reading

• Alex Singleton (Wikipedia)
• Alex Singleton Stats, News and Video, LB (nfl.com)
• Top Broncos of 2026 | No. 19: Alex Singleton (si.com)
• Alex Singleton (denverbroncos.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-28.