Former Bills defensive star retiring from NFL

Aug 25, 2018; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) looks on prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

It is time for the credits to roll on one defender’s NFL career.

Brooke Kirchhofer reported on Saturday that veteran linebacker Kiko Alonso is retiring at the age of 31. Alonso had just signed with the New Orleans Saints earlier this week but is reversing course and calling it quits.

Alonso, a former second-round pick, enjoyed his best run with the Buffalo Bills. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 and looked poised for an All-Pro caliber career. But Alonso tore his ACL before the 2014 season and was eventually traded to Philadelphia for running back LeSean McCoy. Alonso was traded three more times after that and never returned to form.

The ex-University of Oregon star Alonso had actually not played in an NFL game since Jan. 2020 after suffering another ACL tear during a Wild Card playoff game against Minnesota. But Alonso will be remembered for his hard-hitting tackles (some that were more controversial than others).