Troy Alexander, former Saskatchewan Mounted Troopsswitched from football to firefighting – and he said the two are not that different.
“The people that I played with in my football career, and the people that I work with now, there’s a lot of things that you have to have complete trust and faith in,” said Alexander, now a firefighter in Strathcona County, Alberta.
Alexander, No. 46, played as a linebacker for the Roughriders from 1995 to 1998. He played in 48 games, had 68 tackles and 12 sacks.
From football to firefighting. A former Roughrider went from tackling players to fighting fires, and he says the two aren't that different.
Image credit: Mia Alexander
“I love the Saskatchewan Mounted Troopers very much. I love the organization. I love what they stand for across the country.”
Alexander started playing soccer at age 16 in Edmonton, playing for his high school team.
Although Alexander grew up in Alberta, he finds Saskatchewan’s prairies to be beautiful, and the province holds a special place in his heart.
From football to firefighting. A former Roughrider went from tackling players to fighting fires, and he says the two aren't that different.
Image credit: Mia Alexander
“When we flew over, I remember seeing the prairies and the plains, and thinking, how would people look at a desert, or how would they look at an ocean, or how would they look at a boreal forest. I just thought it was so beautiful.”
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Alexander can even thank the Roughriders for helping him find a wife through a PR campaign.
Troy's wife, Mia Alexander, said: “My real brother is a member of Big Brother and he was hosting a fundraiser at a gym and the Big Brother guys showed up.”
Alexander said Mia quickly caught his attention.
“When I met her, you know, I'm a romantic, so I was interested, but for a while I was just a friend. And then pretty quickly she said she liked me, and here we are,” Alexander said.
Troy Alexander went from football player to firefighter.
Image credit: Mia Alexander
Mia had always been a big Cavs fan, but to her, he was just like any other guy.
“He's very down to earth, like his job. It's not his nature. So, when we're together, we almost forget that he plays football sometimes,” Mia explained.
Alexander has built a brotherhood not only with the men he plays football with, but also with the men he works with every day to save lives.
Troy Alexander went from guarding players to guarding firepower — and he said the two aren't that different.
Image credit: Mia Alexander
Ryan McKinley, who has worked with Alexander for more than 20 years at the Strathcona County Fire Department, said the two were like brothers.
“I think the team spirit … on the football field or on the court, the firehouse is no different in that regard.”
McKinley said the two relied on each other and he believed Alexander could have saved his life.
“I think it strengthens the special bonds you make in the firehouse, where you can discuss ideas and thoughts and work through them together,” McKinley said.
McKinley added that he wasn’t the only one who developed a special connection with Alexander because of his kindness.
Troy Alexander went from guarding players to guarding firepower — and he said the two aren't that different.
Image credit: Mia Alexander
“He can adapt to any situation, which makes him a great leader in our department. It also makes him a good friend. He helps people out, and when people are having a real hard time, they call him. They rely on Troy a lot.”
Mia added that Troy is living his dream.
“He’s been lucky. He’s had two jobs that a lot of little kids would look at and say, ‘Oh my god, that’s a dream job.’ And he’s had two of them.”
Alexander is grateful and proud of his achievements and life journey.
“It’s definitely one of those experiences that I can’t say has completely shaped my life, but it’s very special,” Alexander said.
Mia added: “You never know where your life is going to take you and we are living proof of that.”
Former Trooper Troy Alexander switched from football to a career as a firefighter.
Photo credit: Natalie Alexander
He is the father of two daughters and enjoys spending time with them and the community he has built outside of his profession.
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