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Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander has left the team to search for his missing father, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero. Alexander’s father reportedly went missing in Florida while on a berry-picking trip before being left behind by his driver.
Jean Odney Alexandre, 65, came to northwest Okeechobee County with another man Monday to pick palmetto berries somewhere on the prairie, and the other man left Alexandre behind, per the sheriff’s office. Anyone with information can call at (863) 763-3117.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 25, 2020
According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the search, helicopter and ground searches will be going on through the night for Jean Odney Alexandre. https://t.co/ekpjpzVTpS
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2020
Alexander, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, was signed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Bengals this offseason. He was originally a second-round pick by way of the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The 5-10, 192-pound Alexander was expected to be the team’s starting slot cornerback this season for a revamped Bengals defense. But football will rightfully take a backseat for now as Alexander tries to locate his father.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Alexander and his family during this difficult time. Hopefully, his father is eventually found safe.
We will update this story if any more details come out.