Bills' linebacker Lorenzo Alexander confirms retirement but keeps focus on team, playoffs

Leo Roth , Ryan Miller | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Show Caption Hide Caption Sal and Leo say Bills can go into Houston and win in playoffs Buffalo lost 13-6 to the Jets in Week 17. Sal Maiorana and Leo Roth think the Bills' defense is good enough to beat the Texans in wildcard round.

ORCHARD PARK – Lorenzo Alexander wasn’t afforded the victory lap that teammate Kyle Williams had at New Era field when he retired after last season’s regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins.

But Alexander wasn’t complaining. He’s going to the playoffs.

Alexander, 36, the emotional leader of Buffalo’s No. 3 defense, confirmed after Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the New York Jets that he is retiring after 15 seasons. His intention, however, is to keep the focus on the Bills playoff game against the Houston Texans next weekend.

“Yes, obviously, it was a decision I made before the season, and at this point, we still have to play Houston next week,’’ Alexander said. “My mind hasn’t even processed transition yet, so I’m still in this thing 100 percent. Once you start thinking about life after football, you kind of take some of the focus away from the guys and what’s important. The focus is on Houston now and we have to get a playoff win, obviously that would be huge for this organization and community.’’

The Bills, of course, couldn’t let Alexander walk away without a stitch of recognition for all he’s accomplished. The team surprised him by asking his daughter, Zoie, 11, to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner.’’

Alexander and his wife, Manjanique, huddled at midfield with their three other children and watched Zoie perform.

“Obviously, it’s one of the proudest moments as a father that I’ve had,’’ Alexander said. “It was really emotional. I didn’t know she was singing it, so it was a really cool experience. I thought she did a great job, very confident, but if you know my daughter that’s right up her alley and something she loves to do. She’s 11 and to be able to sing in front of 50,000 people like that with confidence, it was cool.’’

Zoie Alexander surprised @onemangang97 and sang the national anthem before today’s game.



That’s one proud dad. 😊 #GoBills pic.twitter.com/YCzveYvUj2 — Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 29, 2019

The Bills also acknowledged Alexander in the first quarter with a proper send-off. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott called a timeout for the sole purpose of taking Alexander out of the game so he could go out to an ovation. McDermott met Alexander on the sideline and slapped him on the helmet before Alexander was greeted by his teammates.

Alexander spent his first two seasons on the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens practice squads before finding a home with the Washington Redskins for six years. He played two years in Arizona and one in Oakland before becoming a fan favorite in Buffalo the last four seasons.

Alexander has had his best four-year stretch late in his career with the Bills, including 2016 when he notched 12.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl at age 33. This season, he has played 50 percent of the team’s defensive snaps and is still productive. He entered Sunday’s game with 50 tackles, 2 sacks and 9 passed defended while also continuing to play on special teams.

Off the field, Alexander has been named his team's Walter Payton Man of the Year five times. He was selected by the Washington Redskins 2010 and 2011 and has been honored as the Bills' nominee for the NFL Man of the Year awards the last three seasons.

“Just a phenomenal person, player and human being,’’ former teammate Eric Wood said on the Bills pregame radio broadcast.

Alexander has appeared in four playoff games in his career, including Buffalo's 2017 loss at Jacksonville. In 2005, he was on Carolina's practice squad when the Panthers advanced to the NFC championship game.

"I know what it takes, what it looks like and this team has the makings for that,'' he said. "Hopefully we are able to put together a great game plan and a great week of practice and go down to Houston and show well collectively and try and get a 'W.' ''

LROTH@Gannett.com

Sean McDermott all smiles giving Lorenzo Alexander his send off. #Bills pic.twitter.com/Bkjtpwka5a — Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) December 29, 2019

COMPLETE BILLS-JETS GAME COVERAGE

Maiorana: Bills are dangerous road warriors in playoffs against vulnerable Texans' defense

Roth: Bills are confident heading into playoffs and can certainly take down Houston Texans

Alexander retiring: Bills' linebacker confirms retirement but keeps focus on team, playoffs

Proud dad: Buffalo Bills surprise Lorenzo Alexander by asking daughter to sing national anthem

Bills vs. Texas: How to get tickets for NFL wild card playoff game

Report card: Buffalo backups almost good enough to beat Sam Darnold, Jets starters'

Patriots won't get bye: Patriots' loss to Dolphins means Buffalo Bills can't face New England in second round

Instant story: Bills empty their bench and fall short, losing 13-6 to the Jets in meaningless finale

Bills bit by injury bug: Buffalo loses key players against Jets

Live updates:: Final score and recap of 13-6 loss to Jets

High demand: Coordinators Brian Daboll, Leslie Frazier listed as NFL head coach candidates

Video: Sal and Leo say Bills can go into Houston and win in playoffs