Tackle Cancer Foundation - History

Memories of Healing

After retiring from the Oakland Raiders in 2002, Elijah Alexander stayed busy. When he wasn't engaged in various business opportunities, he coached his son's football team and played golf. Life was good. Then, in the fall of 2005, he became violently ill while on a trip to Costa Rica. A local physician ran a series of blood tests and told Elijah to get home to the States and see his doctor. Something was very wrong. A few days later, Eli's life would change forever.

In October, 2005, Elijah was officially diagnosed with an incurable cancer - Multiple Myeloma. He immediately began plasmapheresis, because the cancer had already affected his kidneys. Within days, once he was stabilized, he began chemotherapy. Through frequent hospitalizations, chemotherapy, weight loss, and fatigue Elijah kept coaching and the kids on the Wildcat Team inspired him to keep up the fight. His support team was growing. In addition to his family, his team needed him too.

Winter 2006 was a tough time. The chemotherapy had taken its toll on his body, but the cancer was still there. In a desperate effort to save his life, he agreed to a stem cell transplant. He knew he was in for the fight of his life when the doctor explained that it would take a lethal dose of chemo to wipe out his cancer. If all went well, the medical team would then flood his body with his own stem cells, bringing him back to life. For three weeks, Eli lay in a specially equipped hospital room while his body fought its way back. In typical fashion, he responded well and left the hospital days early. On the way home, his first stop was the baseball field where his youngest son was at batting practice.

Recognizing that to whom much is given, much is expected, Elijah had a new passion for life and for helping others. During one of those hospitalizations, he watched children struggling with cancer and determined to make a difference for them and their families. That determination led him to create the Tackle Myeloma Foundation (TMF) in 2005.

Elijah Alfred Alexander III (Eli), age 39 of Frisco, Texas passed away on March 24th, 2010 in Dallas, Texas surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born August 2, 1970 in Fort Worth, Texas to Camala Ridley and raised in conjunction with his stepfather Herman Ridley. Elijah graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School for Science & Engineering Professions where he was not only a standout football player, but also an excellent student. He excelled in all subjects although he particularly loved mathematics. Upon graduating, he was awarded a full scholarship to play collegiate football at Kansas State University (KSU). While attending KSU, Eli was inducted into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Delta Delta Chapter.

In 1992, Elijah was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 10th round of the NFL draft. Against all odds, he fought to earn his spot on the roster and would ultimately play 9 NFL seasons as a starting linebacker for the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and Oakland Raiders.

Elijah met his wife Kimberly while she was a student at the University of Florida. Eli and Kim were wed on May 27th, 1995 in Gainesville, Florida. Shortly after, they began their family, giving birth to two wonderful boys, Elijah Alexander IV (14) and Evan Alexander (12). Elijah was a faithful man of God, a devoted husband of 15 years and a loving father who was actively involved in every aspect of his sons' lives.

In 2003 he began a five year run as the head coach and defensive coordinator of the 'mighty' Wildcats Frisco Football League (named after his high school and college alma maters). As a coach, he developed a special relationship with all of his players, coaches, parents, and had a tremendous impact on the Frisco community.

In October 2005, Eli was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer. In 2006 he founded Tackle Myeloma Foundation (now named "Tackle Cancer Foundation") a non-profit organization which provides financial support for families who have children diagnosed with all forms of pediatric cancer and adults diagnosed with multiple myeloma. His passion for fighting this disease and helping children with cancer became his daily mission and God given purpose in life. He traveled the country as a patient advocate speaking on behalf of cancer patients and providing inspiration to those living with cancer.

He is survived by his mother Camala Ridley of Fort Worth, Texas; wife, Kimberly Alexander of Gainesville, Florida; sons Elijah Alexander IV and Evan Alexander of Frisco, Texas; sister Karn Alexander of Arlington, Texas; brother Shannon Ridley (Chanda) of Frisco, Texas; niece/nephew Tiana Baxter and Jordan Johnson of Arlington, Texas; uncle Bobby Taylor (Dorothy) of Dallas, Texas; aunt Maebelle Stevenson of Denison, Texas; numerous relatives, and a wealth of friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Herman Ridley. Elijah has touched the lives of countless individuals and his legacy will span generation upon generation.