Darius Alexander, a standout defensive tackle formerly of the Toledo Rockets, carved out an impressive collegiate career rooted in strong family support. A Wayne High School product, he joined Toledo in 2019 and played through the 2024 season. Over 58 games, Alexander totaled 127 tackles—45 solo—alongside 23 tackles for loss and 9 sacks.
His performance earned him one of 329 invitations to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, where he posted a Next Gen Stats score of 77, the fifth-highest among defensive tackles. Here is closer look at his family who supported him along the way. He topped off his draft process by being selected 65th overall by the New York Giants.
The Support System Behind New York Giants Draftee Darius Alexander
Giants defensive tackle Darius Alexander attributes much of his drive and discipline to his family, especially his mother, Taya Alexander. Raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Darius credits her for guiding him through both life and sports.
“My mother’s name is Taya,” he shared with Utrockets.com. “I grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I played football, basketball, and track.”
Taya, a single parent, raised Darius and his three siblings—two sisters, Shiara and Brooklyn, and a brother, Darrion. Their support shaped his competitiveness and sense of accountability from an early age.
Although he frequently acknowledges his mother’s influence, Alexander has been candid about growing up without a father figure.
“I didn’t have a dad growing up, so my goal is to give [my son] everything I didn’t have, and show him the things I wasn’t shown,” he said.
That personal experience has shaped how he approaches fatherhood with his five-year-old son, Messiah.
“He wants to play football too and tells me that all the time,” Alexander said. “He comes to all the games. He’s loving it. He can’t wait till it’s his turn to play.”
Messiah has spent the past two summers living with Darius, a time that has deepened their bond.
“I love everything about it,” he said. “Having him around these last two years has really helped me because I enjoy the ups and downs with him.”
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Away from the field and family, Alexander also finds companionship in his dog, Scoobie, a Bully breed.
“That’s my best friend. That’s who I kick with it all day,” he said.
Driven by his goal of reaching the NFL, Alexander continues to find motivation in former teammates now playing professionally.
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