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Kwon Alexander can join the 49ers legends with a Super Bowl win

The former Tampa Bay linebacker says he is playing Sunday for Bucs teammates who never have reached the playoffs.
 
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander poses for a portrait at Super Bowl Opening Night, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020 in Miami.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander poses for a portrait at Super Bowl Opening Night, Monday, Jan. 27, 2020 in Miami. [ DOUG BENC | AP ]
Published Jan. 31, 2020

MIAMI ― Kwon Alexander is feeling legendary. He sat at a podium for another media session Thursday, a No. 5 diamond earring in his right lobe and a No. 6 in his left, answering questions about how he believed the 49ers defense would fare against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 54.

Not far away, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s face lit up when asked about the former Bucs linebacker.

“Aside from the play, his leadership and energy is ridiculous,’’ Saleh said. “He’s special. The fact that he got the entire fan base to buy into him for the little time he’s been here, he’s electric. He really is. I’m really very glad he’s here.’’

Of course, the 49ers are a legendary franchise, having won five Lombardi trophies.

Related: The phone call that changed John Lynch and the 49ers forever

Coupled with the fact that Alexander answers every question by dropping the legendary adjective in every sentence, he has become a hashtag between the hash marks. San Francisco fans use it all the time on social media.

How do you feel, Kwon?

“Oh, I’m feeling legendary,’’ he said.

What about your comeback from a torn pectoral muscle that took nine weeks in order to heal?

“It’s been legendary,’’ Alexander said. “It’s been a blessing too. I’ve been through some things. I had to work hard and it’s been a blessing to come back. I know they said I was down and I came back. I thank God for that. It’s time now.’’

What if you had played in Tampa Bay with fellow LSU alum Devin White?

“It would’ve been legendary playing with him,’’ Alexander said.

He deserves a lot of credit, you know.

It’s not easy to change teams, change positions while maybe being short-changed by the Bucs.

After tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee months before becoming a free agent, the Bucs made the decision to move on from their starting middle linebacker.

Sorry kid, we’re not sure you will make it back by training camp.

49ers general manager John Lynch saw it differently. He believed Alexander would make it back by then. Preseason, for sure.

That’s why the Niners signed Alexander to a four-year, $54-million contract with $25.5 million guaranteed, moving him from middle to weakside linebacker.

As fate would have it, the 49ers opened 2019 at Raymond James Stadium.

Alexander thought it was a great game. What he saw of it. He was thrown out for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Jameis Winston.

The 49ers were so moved by his passion, and perhaps feeling a little sorry he couldn’t compete against his former team, they awarded Alexander with the game ball following the 31-17 victory. They would win nine straight to start the season.

Unfortunately, the injury bug sunk its teeth into Alexander again. In Week 9 against the Cardinals, Alexander tore a pectoral muscle. The Niners all but announced that not only was Alexander going on injured reserve, he likely is out for the season.

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“I never had a doubt in my mind,’’ Alexander said. “The first time they told me I wasn’t going to be able to play, I knew that was my chip on my shoulder then, that I’m going to come back. I had the right mindset. I knew what I was going to do. I put the work in, I grinded for it and now I’m here.

Related: Trent Dilfer: Bucs should give quarterback Jameis Winston another year

“I’m ready to go out there and show it.’’

He won’t be alone. The 49ers have a great defense, particularly in the front seven and with a devasting pass rush led by NFL Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa.

But the teammates Alexander will also be playing for are the ones he left behind, players like Lavonte David and Gerald McCoy.

“Yeah, this is very rare,’’ Alexander said. “That’s why I say I’m blessed. I’m playing for those guys. I talk to those guys, Lavonte and Gerald. I know Gerald has never been in the playoffs, so I play for those guys. They’re my brothers, so I’m going to hold it down for him.’’

Alexander is working his way back into shape. He played 25 snaps against Minnesota without a tackle, then followed it up by making two tackles, including one for loss, in 20 plays against Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game.

“Everything happens for a reason. I was happy when I was (in Tampa Bay)," Alexander said. "I just love playing the game of football. Especially with that team and everybody. But now I’m blessed to be here. I made it to a Super Bowl."

With a chance to be legendary.