Dee Alford's career journey is proof there are many ways to make it pro, as long as you're resilient.
"Whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve it," Alford said Thursday after putting pen to paper to his three-year deal with the Bills.
The newly-signed cornerback didn't take the conventional route to the NFL.
Alford was born in Hernando, Miss., a town with a population under 20,000, and he didn't start playing football until his senior year of high school. Alford went on to attend Tusculum University, a private Division II college in Tennessee.
In four years there, he earned First-team All-South Atlantic Conference (SAC) in 2019 and Second-team All-SAC in 2017 and 2018.
His career journey took a turn when his pro days were cancelled due to the pandemic. Alford went undrafted in 2020. That led him to pursue opportunities in the Canadian Football League, and he earned a training camp spot with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2021.
Alford won a starting cornerback position and was a key member of the 2021 Grey Cup Champion team. His success in one year of CFL action led him to sign a reserve/futures contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.
"Don't give up. Things are gonna get tough," Alford said of his perspective. "Everyone takes a different path, but we can all align one and go on that same journey. It defines me as a person, I'm a hard worker, dedicated, and I'm goal-driven…just having that underdog mentality, it made me who I am."
Coming off a four-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons, Alford's path now brings him to Buffalo where he is eager to continue that hard-nosed mentality.
"It's so much love here, great positive energy in the building," he said. "One thing just stood out for me — winning. When you hear about Buffalo Bills football, it's all about winning and I want to be a winner. So it was a no brainer for me."
The CB played in 64 games and started in 23 from 2022-25 with the Falcons. Alford set career-high in passes defensed (13), interceptions (3), tackles for loss (6) and sacks (2) in 2025. At 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Alford believes he can be moveable chess piece on the field.
"Pulling up my film, you'll see that I can do both, inside or outside," he said. "I'm mainly in the slot, but I'm willing to do whatever. I'm versatile."
After agreeing to terms with the Bills, Alford flew to Buffalo this week and met with the coaching staff. He's eager to get to work under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
"He's a great guy, he has a lot of energy," Alford said of the Bills DC. "I feel like he's going to allow me to just come in and be a cover guy and fit right in with his system."
The new Bills corner prides himself on being a teammate that guys in the locker room can rely on.
"I like to build connections and relationships with my teammates," he shared. "I really do believe in brotherhood… I'm so fired up to learn my new teammates and fit right in with those guys."
