Maurice Alexander’s professional football career has followed a winding and unconventional path.
Alexander may not be a household name, but he’s quietly building momentum as a potential surprise addition to the Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster. After spending time in the USFL and bouncing between practice squads in the NFL, Alexander now finds himself in a familiar system under head coach Ben Johnson and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El—both of whom coached him during his stint with the Detroit Lions.
CHGO Sports’ insider Adam Jahns noted Alexander’s was a name he’d been noticing quite a bit during the early days of training camp.
“I found myself asking… who is No. 13?’ No. 13 is Maurice Alexander, whom the Bears signed in January,” Jahns wrote on July 24, adding:
“Alexander’s NFL journey started with Detroit in 2022, where he bounced back and forth from the practice squad. Yep, Ben Johnson knows him well. And the Bears quarterbacks are starting to know him well, too. Alexander caught passes from (Caleb) Williams and (Tyson) Bagent and had one go off his hands from Case Keenum. … Johnson must see something in him. If you are coming out to practice this weekend, there’s a good chance you are going to notice No. 13 catching the ball.”
A Look Back at Alexander’s Pro & College Football Career
A standout at Florida International University from 2016-2019, Alexander initially played quarterback before switching to wide receiver and excelling as a return specialist. In 2018, he earned First-Team All–Conference USA honors for his special teams play. He led the nation in punt return average that year (14.6 yards per return), also scoring a return TD.
Despite flashes in college, Alexander went undrafted in 2020 and found his footing in the USFL, where he played for the Philadelphia Stars. There, he quickly emerged as one of the league’s most explosive players, showcasing his return prowess and contributing as a receiver. His strong USFL performance led to a shot with the Lions in 2022.
Alexander spent two seasons bouncing between Detroit’s active roster and practice squad. While his offensive snaps were limited—he has just one career NFL reception—he carved out a niche on special teams. In 2024, he returned six kickoffs for 146 yards and added four punt returns for 42 yards, giving the Lions a steady — if unspectacular — presence in the return game.
While his stats didn’t jump off the page, Alexander impressed coaches with his work ethic and adaptability. His time in Detroit also gave him valuable experience in Johnson’s offense, and that could give him a leg up on the competition.
Could WR Maurice Alexander Be a Long Shot to Make the Chicago Bears’ Roster?
GettyChicago Bears WR Maurice Alexander is a long shot to make the team’s 53-man roster.
In January 2025, Alexander signed a reserve/futures deal with the Bears, reuniting with Johnson—now the team’s head coach—and Randle El, both of whom coached him in Detroit. This familiarity can’t hurt, but if he wants to earn a role on the team, he’ll need to do more than know the playbook.
While DJ Moore, Rome Odunze Luther Burden III and Olamide Zaccheus headline the Bears’ receiver room, the final two spots remain open. Alexander’s return skills and understanding of Johnson’s offense make him a dark horse to watch. If he flashes in the preseason—particularly in the return game—he could be one of the surprise names to crack the final 53-man roster.
He’ll need to out-perform the likes of return specialist Devin Duvernay, which is unlikely, but he has a shot at eking past Tyler Scott, who has yet to develop into much of a threat, as well as fellow free agent addition Miles Boykin.
If he can do that, Alexander could be one of the more pleasant surprises to emerge in camp.
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