GREEN BAY -- Packers rookie cornerback Jaire Alexander has been awarded the NFL's "Way to Play" award for Week 12 for blowing up a Minnesota screen pass last Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium.
On the play, Alexander lowered his shoulder into Vikings receiver Adam Thielen, who was setting up to throw a block for teammate Stefon Diggs, on the receiving end of the screen. The clean contact from Alexander actually pushed Thielen back into Diggs, knocking both players down. When Diggs got back up to try to gain yards, Alexander then chased him down in the backfield for a 10-yard loss.
A panel of former NFL players and coaches selects the "Way to Play" winner each week by selecting the player who most positively impacts the game through proper technique. Alexander, the Packers' first-round draft pick out of Louisville, was lauded on the play for not leading with his helmet nor going low to endanger an opponent's knees on the play. As the award-winner, Alexander will receive a $2,500 equipment grant through USA Football for the youth or high school program of his choice.
