CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia legendary football player Robert Alexander is sharing his life story about his success in high school through his professional career, problems with drugs and alcohol and much more in his new book called “From Glory to Grace: The True Life Story of Robert Alexander.”
Alexander, 57, played for South Charleston High School where he scored nearly 100 touchdowns resulting in a state record that lasted for over two decades. Also, he received the Kennedy Award twice for the state’s best player of the year. Parade Magazine named him the national player of the year.
On Tuesday’s “580 Live,” Alexander credited his success to his junior high friend Dennis Hall, a fellow teammate who developed cancer in the 6th grade and later died in 9th grade.
“He was such a great athlete in every sport. I couldn’t out run him. I couldn’t out jump him. I couldn’t out throw him,” Alexander told “580 Live” host Charleston Mayor Danny Jones.
“I truly believe God shared that talent over on to my side,” Alexander said.
“Gave you his talent?” Jones asked.
“Yes, sir,” Alexander replied.
“What an impact that must have had,” said Jones.
Being the most recruited player in the country at the time, Alexander graduated from SCHS in 1977 with about 200 college scholarship offers, but no one wanted him more than West Virginia University. State leaders, including Gov. John D. Rockefeller, pushed to keep Alexander in Morgantown for his college career. He later signed a letter of intent with the governor.
Alexander went on to play for WVU, then the Los Angeles Rams in 1981, for San Diego and for the U.S. Football League, but the pressure eventually got to him. The frustrations of not being liked by his WVU teammates made him turn to drugs and alcohol, in order to fit in.
After a failed suicide attempt, Alexander realized he needed help. He eventually went to a treatment center in St. Albans and then became a drug counselor at schools and camps.
In his book, he details what it was like to grow up as a young African American in the 1970’s before he got to high school.
“I do remember back in 1970-72 blacks weren’t allowed to swim in Rock Lake Pool, which I lived right behind, or in the private pools as well,” he recalled, but said he was never targeted by classmates for being black.
“All my friends in the village area, South Charleston area treated me just normal,” he said. “My dad always taught me there’s one thing that’s worth more than gold and silver in this life and that is good character, having respect for yourself and respect for others.”
Alexander also reveals in his book how he got his start in football.
“Football was the last sport I got into. I started out in baseball, wasn’t really good,” he said. “I was fast and had an arm. Basketball — I was a tall, skinny kid.”
That was when Hall encouraged Alexander to try out for the football team.
“I never forget I went home with my uniform and I was so happy and I said ‘Mom, look here! Look what I got!’ She said ‘What is that?’ I said ‘that’s my football uniform. I’m going to play football.’ She said ‘No you’re not, boy. Take that uniform back.’ Danny, I started crying,” he told Jones.
“Told my dad about it,” he continued. “He came out (of the room) and said ‘Son, we’re going to let you play, but I’ll tell you what — once you start, you’re not going to quit.'”