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Alonzo Highsmith
Alonzo Highsmith
Alonzo Highsmith
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Alonzo Walter Highsmith, Sr. (born February 26, 1965) is an American football executive, former fullback, and former boxer who is the senior personnel executive for the New England Patriots. He served as the vice president of player personnel for the Cleveland Browns from 2018 to 2019. Before that, Highsmith served as a senior personnel executive for the Green Bay Packers for six seasons from 2012 to 2017. He also played in the NFL for the Houston Oilers, Dallas Cowboys, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Highsmith attended Christopher Columbus High School, where he played defensive end and helped his team reach the state championship final in 1982, while receiving All-American, Florida high school Defensive Player of the Year and the Dade County Athlete of the Year honors. He also played basketball and ran track.

College career

[edit]

Highsmith accepted a scholarship from the University of Miami over offers from Notre Dame University and the University of Michigan. Although he was recruited by Howard Schnellenberger to play defense, he was converted to fullback before his freshman season started. He was a member of the 1983 Hurricanes squad that won the national championship, and led the team in rushing during the 31–30 victory over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.

In 1984, Jimmy Johnson arrived as the new head coach and named him a starter as a sophomore, rushing for a team leading 906 yards on 146 carries (6.2 average) and 11 touchdowns. One of the hardest working players on the team, he would develop into a complete fullback that could run, block and catch.

As a junior, he registered 451 rushing yards on 117 carries (3.9 average) and 6 touchdowns, including a school record 88-yard touchdown reception against East Carolina University. In his last year, he was recognized as the nation's best fullback, while posting 442 rushing yards (led the team) on 105 carries (4.2 average) and 8 touchdowns.

Highsmith finished his college career with 1,914 rushing yards (second in school history), 2,935 all-purpose yards (fifth in school history), 25 career touchdowns (tied for first in school history) and five 100-yard rushing games (tied for second in school history).

In 1997, he was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

College statistics

[edit]
Legend
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving
GP Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD
1983 Miami (FL) 11 19 74 3.9 0 4 18 4.5 0
1984 Miami (FL) 12 146 906 6.2 9 37 257 6.9 2
1985 Miami (FL) 11 117 451 3.9 5 21 286 13.6 1
1986 Miami (FL) 11 105 442 4.2 4 30 416 13.9 4
45 387 1,873 4.8 18 92 977 10.6 7

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+7⁄8 in
(1.85 m)		 236 lb
(107 kg)		 33 in
(0.84 m)		 9+1⁄2 in
(0.24 m)		 34.0 in
(0.86 m)		 9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)		 27 reps
All values from NFL Combine[1]

Houston Oilers

[edit]

Highsmith was selected by the Houston Oilers in the first round (third overall) of the 1987 NFL draft.[2] He reported to the team after a long contract holdout, that saw him miss 6 months and 6 games.[3] As a rookie, he played in 8 games (3 starts) and registered 106 rushing yards.

In 1988, he started 16 games, rushing for 466 yards (third on the team) on 94 carries for a 5-yard average, while developing into one of the best blocking fullbacks in the NFL. In 1989, he started again 16 games, led the team in rushing with 531 yards and was second on the team with 6 total touchdowns.

During the 1990 season, Jack Pardee became the new Oilers head coach and implemented the run and shoot offense. The team decided that Highsmith wasn't a good fit for new system. On September 3, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a second round (#38-Darryll Lewis) and a fifth round (#136-Tim Roberts) draft choice.[4]

Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

Although he had started 40 straight games with the Houston Oilers, he had a series of offseason knee surgeries that had doctors recommending against the Dallas Cowboys acquiring him in 1990.[5] Head coach Jimmy Johnson, knowing Highsmith from his playing days at the University of Miami, ignored the medical advice regarding a potentially career-ending knee condition[5] and went ahead with the proposed trade on September 3.[6]

He played in 7 games (5 starts) as the lead blocker for rookie Emmitt Smith before being placed on the injured reserve list after not being able to fully recover from his previous knee surgery.[7] He had 19 carries for 48 yards and 3 receptions for 13 yards.

The next year, he had a contract holdout, that forced him to miss most of training camp. He returned as the third-string fullback and played in only 2 games, before being waived on October 1, 1991.[8]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[edit]

On October 3, 1991, Highsmith was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[9] Due to his chronic knee condition, he was released on October 7, 1992.[10]

Highsmith retired after playing in 65 games, posting 283 rushing attempts for 1,195 yards (4.2 avg.) and 7 touchdowns. He also had 42 receptions for 428 yards (10.2 avg.) and 3 touchdowns.

Boxing career

[edit]

Following his football career, Highsmith became a professional boxer.[11] Over a four-year career, Highsmith amassed a 27–1–2 record in the heavyweight division. Twenty three of those victories came by way of knockout.

One of Highsmith's opponents in professional boxing was another former NFL player turned boxer, Mark Gastineau.

Front office

[edit]

In 2012, he accepted a senior personnel executive position in the front office of the Green Bay Packers.

On January 2, 2018, it was reported that he would be joining the Cleveland Browns as their vice president of football operations.[12] On January 10, it was confirmed that Highsmith would join the Browns, just as the Vice President of Player Personnel.[13]

After consulting for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2020 offseason, he accepted a full-time position as a personnel executive with the team on June 12, 2020.[14]

On May 26, 2022, Highsmith was hired by the Miami Hurricanes to serve as the general manager of football operations.[15]

On February 7, 2024, he was hired by the New England Patriots to serve as a personnel executive.[16]

Personal life

[edit]

His father, Walter Highsmith, was a successful football player and coach. Like Alonzo, he also played for the Oilers, suiting up for them in 1972. He also played for the Montreal Alouettes, with Alonzo playing football and basketball in Montreal as a teenager. Walter was a former head coach for Texas Southern University and enjoyed several coaching stints in college football and the CFL.

One of Highsmith's sons, also named Alonzo Highsmith Jr., was invited to training camp with the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Redskins. Highsmith's cousin, Ali Highsmith, played for the Arizona Cardinals.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alonzo Highsmith

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alonzo Highsmith (born February 26, 1965) is an executive and former fullback who currently serves as the senior personnel executive for the . A native of , Highsmith rose to prominence as a high school standout at Christopher Columbus High School in , where he starred on defense and helped secure a state championship. At the , he transitioned to offense as an explosive fullback and team leader from 1983 to 1986, contributing to the Hurricanes' 1983 under coaches and Jimmy Johnson while amassing 1,914 rushing yards (third in school history at the time) and 2,935 all-purpose yards (fifth in program history). Selected third overall in the first round of the by the , Highsmith played six professional seasons primarily as a for the Oilers (1987–1991), with brief stints for the and in 1992. Over 65 games, he recorded 1,195 rushing yards on 283 carries with 7 touchdowns, along with 45 receptions for 428 yards and 3 receiving scores, peaking in 1989 with 531 rushing yards and 201 receiving yards for Houston. Following his NFL career, Highsmith pursued , compiling a record of 27 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws before transitioning to front-office roles. Highsmith entered NFL personnel work in 1999 with the as a college scout, advancing over 19 seasons to senior personnel executive by 2012, where he played a key role in acquiring talents like , , and Clay Matthews, contributing to the team's victory in 2011. Widely regarded as one of the league's top talent evaluators under Packers GM , he later served as vice president of player personnel for the starting in 2018 and as senior personnel executive for the . In 2022, he returned to his alma mater as general manager of football operations for the for two years before joining the Patriots in early 2024. In November 2025, following the dismissal of GM , Highsmith expressed interest in the ' general manager vacancy.

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Alonzo Highsmith was born on February 26, 1965, in , to Walter Highsmith, a former professional football player who appeared in the NFL with the and and later coached in the Canadian Football League, and his wife. Highsmith spent much of his early childhood in , , following his family's relocation there due to his father's coaching position with a local club team. The family's move back to the area occurred when Highsmith was 16 years old, exposing him to the vibrant youth football scene in . Immersed in a household centered on football through his father's professional and coaching experiences, Highsmith developed an early interest in athletics, participating in youth leagues in where he played on an undefeated team for five consecutive years. This family dynamic, marked by Walter Highsmith's career as a motivational force, fostered a competitive environment that steered young Alonzo toward organized sports from an early age.

High school career

Alonzo Highsmith attended High School in , , graduating in the class of 1983. At Columbus, Highsmith emerged as a standout defensive end, wearing number 99 and playing a pivotal role in the Explorers' defense. He demonstrated exceptional leadership on the team, helping lead Christopher Columbus to the 1982 Class 4A state championship game, where they fell just short of the title. His defensive prowess earned him prestigious honors, including All-American recognition, Florida High School Defensive Player of the Year, Dade County Player of the Year, and Dade County Athlete of the Year in 1982. As one of the top recruits in the state, Highsmith attracted attention from major college programs, including Notre Dame and Penn State. His family's deep roots in the area facilitated his recruitment by local institutions, ultimately leading him to commit to the , where head coach targeted him as a .

College football career

University of Miami tenure

Alonzo Highsmith enrolled at the in 1983, where he played as a fullback and for the through the 1986 season. Initially recruited from Columbus High School in Miami, he was converted to the position by upon arrival. Schnellenberger's demanding style shaped the team's work ethic during Highsmith's freshman and sophomore years, fostering a turnaround for the program. When Jimmy Johnson succeeded Schnellenberger in 1985, Highsmith adapted to the new regime, contributing to the Hurricanes' continued rise as a national power. As a in 1983, Highsmith played a supporting role in the Hurricanes' undefeated 11-0 season, which culminated in a 31-30 victory over to claim the —the program's first. His contributions in the buildup to the title game included key short-yardage runs that helped maintain offensive momentum during a season marked by the team's emergence as an contender. Highsmith's involvement extended into the 1985 and 1986 seasons under Johnson, where the Hurricanes reached high national rankings but fell short of another title, with his blocking and rushing anchoring the backfield alongside quarterbacks like . Highsmith's explosive play style made him a dynamic force in the Hurricanes' offense, excelling in burst runs and providing as a vocal offensive captain. He formed a formidable backfield tandem and collaborated with star teammates including Kosar at and wide receiver , enhancing Miami's reputation for speed and physicality. His ability to break tackles and gain tough yards in critical situations exemplified the gritty, aggressive ethos that defined the program's golden era under Schnellenberger and Johnson. Throughout his tenure, Highsmith delivered in key games, recording five 100-yard rushing performances that tied for the second-highest total in history at the time. These outbursts, including explosive outings against conference rivals, underscored his role in powering the Hurricanes' ground attack during pivotal matchups.

College achievements and statistics

Alonzo Highsmith amassed 1,914 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns over his four seasons at the from 1983 to 1986, contributing to career totals of 25 touchdowns and 2,935 all-purpose yards (including 977 receiving yards and 44 return yards). His performance peaked in 1984, when he rushed for 906 yards and 9 on 146 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt, while adding 257 receiving yards and 2 receiving for 1,163 all-purpose yards that season. In 1985, Highsmith recorded 451 rushing yards and 5 rushing on 117 carries, complemented by 286 receiving yards and 1 receiving , totaling 737 all-purpose yards. The following year, in 1986, he gained 442 rushing yards and 4 rushing on 105 carries, with 416 receiving yards and 4 receiving , resulting in 858 all-purpose yards. His year in 1983 saw 115 rushing yards on 25 carries and 1 rushing , alongside 18 receiving yards for 177 all-purpose yards (including postseason).
SeasonRushing AttRushing YdsRushing TDReceiving YdsReceiving TDAll-Purpose Yds
1983251151180177
1984146906925721,163
198511745152861737
198610544244164858
Career3931,9141897772,935
Highsmith recorded five 100-yard rushing games during his career, tying for the second-highest total in history at the time. His 25 career touchdowns rank tied for fourth in program history, and his 2,935 all-purpose yards placed fifth among Hurricanes players. Compared to contemporaries like Melvin Bratton, who rushed for 1,641 yards over the same era, Highsmith's versatility as a rusher and receiver distinguished him in Miami's offensive scheme.

Professional football career

Houston Oilers

Alonzo Highsmith was selected by the with the third overall pick in the first round of the , coming off a standout college career at the . The Oilers viewed him as a potential successor to legendary running backs like , drafting him to bolster their backfield with his combination of size, speed, and versatility. Highsmith signed a four-year contract worth approximately $2.8 million before training camp, but his rookie season was hampered by a prolonged holdout and the players' strike, limiting his opportunities to adapt to the professional level. In , Highsmith transitioned into a role, appearing in eight games with three starts and recording 29 rushing attempts for 106 yards and one , along with 55 receiving yards. His limited snaps reflected the challenges of adjusting to the NFL's physical demands and the Oilers' run-heavy scheme under coach , where he focused on short-yardage situations and pass protection. Despite the disruptions, Highsmith showed flashes of power running, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, and contributed to a playoff-bound team that finished 9-6. By , Highsmith shifted to fullback, embracing a more blocking-oriented role while still carrying the ball, as the Oilers emphasized a balanced ground attack. He played all 16 games, starting every one, with 94 rushes for 466 yards and two touchdowns, plus 266 receiving yards, demonstrating improved durability and versatility. A injury sidelined him briefly during the , but he contributed 7 rushes for 60 yards and 3 receptions for 11 yards across two postseason games. In 1989, his most productive year with , Highsmith again started all 16 games, amassing 128 carries for 531 yards and four rushing touchdowns, alongside 201 receiving yards and two scores, helping the Oilers to a 9-7 record. Highsmith's tenure with the Oilers ended prior to the 1990 regular season when he was traded to the on September 3 in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick, as the team sought to reshape its backfield amid ongoing injury concerns. Over his three full seasons in , he appeared in 40 games, establishing himself as a reliable fullback who combined rushing production with essential blocking in the trenches. In four playoff games with the Oilers (1987–1988), he recorded 24 rushes for 147 yards and 9 receptions for 48 yards.

Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In September 1990, the acquired Alonzo Highsmith from the Houston Oilers in a trade that sent a conditional draft pick to Houston, reuniting him with head coach Jimmy Johnson from his college days at the . During the 1990 season, Highsmith appeared in seven games for Dallas, starting five, and primarily served as a blocking fullback to support rookie Emmitt Smith's emergence, with limited carries totaling 19 attempts for 48 yards. He also contributed on special teams and caught three passes for 13 yards in that role. Highsmith returned to the Cowboys for the first two games of the season, playing a reserve role with no starts and minimal offensive snaps amid ongoing knee issues that limited his productivity. On October 2, , Dallas waived him, and he was immediately claimed off waivers by the two days later, providing the struggling 0-5 team with veteran depth at fullback. With , Highsmith shifted further toward blocking and special teams duties, appearing in 11 games in without a start and recording just five rushes for 21 yards. In , Highsmith's final season, he played in five games for , starting two, and provided blocking support with eight carries for 23 yards and five receptions for 28 yards, while continuing contributions on special teams. Over his time with and , he appeared in 25 games total, a portion of his 65-game career, as recurring injuries progressively diminished his role from a potential lead back to a situational blocker. Highsmith retired from professional football after the season, citing the cumulative effects of multiple surgeries and infections that had hampered his mobility since 1989.

Overall professional statistics

Alonzo Highsmith's career spanned six seasons from 1987 to 1992, during which he appeared in 65 games, starting 42 of them. His overall rushing statistics include 283 attempts for 1,195 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, with 7 rushing touchdowns. As a receiver out of the backfield, he recorded 42 receptions for 428 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns, contributing to a total of 1,623 all-purpose yards from scrimmage. Highsmith also fumbled the ball 16 times, with 11 lost. The following table provides a year-by-year breakdown of his rushing and receiving statistics, including (G), games started (GS), rushing attempts (Att), yards (Yds), touchdowns (TD), yards per attempt (Y/A), receptions (Rec), receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and fumbles (Fmb). Note that in 1991, he split time between the and .
YearTeam(s)GGSRush AttRush YdsRush TDY/ARecRec YdsRec TDFmb
1987HOU832910613.745512
1988HOU16169446625.01213107
1989HOU161612853144.11820126
199075194802.531301
1991/TAM13052104.20000
1992TAM5282302.952800
CareerHOU//TAM65422831,19574.242428316
By team, Highsmith's production was concentrated with the , where he amassed 251 carries for 1,103 yards (4.4 Y/A) and 7 rushing touchdowns over 40 games (35 starts), alongside 34 receptions for 387 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. With the , he had 19 carries for 48 yards (2.5 Y/A) in 9 games (5 starts), with 3 receptions for 13 yards. His limited role with the included 13 carries for 44 yards (3.4 Y/A) in 16 games (2 starts), with 5 receptions for 28 yards. These splits reflect the impact of team transitions on his usage. Selected third overall in the by the —a high pick typically reserved for potential franchise-altering talents—Highsmith's career statistics positioned him as a solid but not dominant , with his 4.2 yards per carry average falling short of elite expectations for a top-three selection while highlighting his versatility in both rushing and receiving roles.

Boxing career

Transition to boxing

After retiring from the NFL at the end of the 1992 season following chronic knee issues that limited his play with the , Alonzo Highsmith sought ways to maintain his physical fitness during recovery from reconstructive surgery in . A friend recommended as an effective conditioning regimen, initially with the dual aim of staying in shape and potentially facilitating a return to football, though Highsmith soon discovered deeper personal benefits in the sport's discipline and intensity. He began training in late at Houston's Gym, a facility known for its grueling conditions and elite clientele, where he worked alongside heavyweight champions like . Highsmith's entry into marked a profound "rebirth" after the physical and emotional toll of football injuries, transforming a casual workout routine into a passionate pursuit that restored his sense of purpose and mental resilience. Without prior experience, he honed his skills through rigorous sessions against professional heavyweights, including future contenders Michael Grant and , which tested his durability and built his confidence in the ring. These early experiences, conducted in a gym that reached temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit during Houston summers, emphasized 's individual demands in contrast to football's team dynamics, further solidifying his commitment. After approximately 18 months of dedicated preparation, Highsmith made his professional debut on February 23, 1995, in , defeating Marcos Gonzalez by in a four-round bout and earning $5,000 for the victory. This win, against an opponent with a 14-2-1 record, validated his transition and set the stage for a competitive in the sport.

Professional record and notable bouts

Alonzo Highsmith competed exclusively in the division during his career, which spanned from 1995 to 1998. He amassed an overall record of 27 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws across 30 bouts, with 23 of his victories coming by for an 85% rate. Highsmith trained at a gym in where he shared the with notable including , , and Frank . Over the course of his career, he boxed a total of 72 rounds before retiring in late 1998. Highsmith's professional debut occurred on February 23, 1995, against Marcos Gonzalez, a veteran with a 14-2-1 record, in , . Despite being knocked down in the second round, Highsmith recovered to win by over four rounds. One of his most prominent victories came on November 3, 1996, against former NFL defensive end in , , where Highsmith secured a first-round technical after overwhelming the 15-2 opponent with aggressive . This bout highlighted Highsmith's power and marked a high-profile matchup between ex-football players. Highsmith's undefeated streak ended on October 22, 1998, in Reseda, California, when he was stopped by Terry Verners (7-20-2) via third-round TKO, absorbing punishment that led to the referee's intervention. His final fight was a six-round split decision draw against Reggie Miller (27-15-0) on December 8, 1998, at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City, after which Highsmith retired from the sport. The other draw in his record was a technical draw on March 19, 1996, against Jim Mullen due to an accidental headbutt causing a cut.
DateOpponentResultMethodLocationNotes
1995-02-23Marcos GonzalezWin (4 rounds), TXDebut; knocked down in Rd 2
1996-03-19DrawTechnical draw (4 rounds)Long Beach, CAAccidental headbutt cut
1996-11-03WinTKO (1st round), Former NFL player; high-profile bout
1998-10-22Terry VernersLossTKO (3rd round)Reseda, CAOnly defeat; ended undefeated streak
1998-12-08Draw (6 rounds)New York, NYFinal bout; led to retirement

Executive career

Early front office roles

After retiring from his boxing career in the late 1990s, Alonzo Highsmith transitioned into scouting, joining the as a college scout in 1999. His early roles focused on evaluating college talent in the South, leveraging his background as a former player to identify prospects with strong football instincts. Over the next 13 years, Highsmith contributed to the Packers' scouting efforts, including the discovery of late-round gems like in 1999. In 2012, Highsmith was promoted to senior personnel executive with the Packers, a position he held through 2017. During this period, he played a key role in draft evaluations and personnel decisions that supported the team's sustained success, including six consecutive playoff appearances from 2012 to 2016 and a appearance in 2010 prior to his promotion. Highsmith's evaluations helped identify impactful players such as Aaron in the 2005 draft, contributing to a renowned for building championship-caliber rosters. His athletic experience as a and boxer enhanced his ability to assess players' physicality and resilience. Highsmith joined the in January 2018 as vice president of player personnel, reuniting with former Packers colleague , who was named assistant . In this role through 2019, he oversaw pro and college scouting operations and was instrumental in the , where the Browns selected first overall and in the second round. Highsmith provided insights into the team's evaluation process, emphasizing thorough assessments of top prospects like Mayfield and . In 2020, Highsmith served as a consultant for the during the offseason before transitioning to a full-time personnel executive role in June. His contributions included aiding in preparations for the , where the team selected defensive end in the second round, bolstering their . By 2022, Highsmith had accumulated 29 years of experience across playing, scouting, and executive positions, including involvement in 18 playoff appearances.

Recent positions and developments

In 2022, Alonzo Highsmith was hired by his alma mater, the , as the general manager of football operations, a role that allowed him to leverage his extensive experience to oversee recruiting, personnel, and operational aspects of the Hurricanes' program. Highsmith transitioned back to the in 2024, joining the as a senior personnel executive under , where his responsibilities center on pro scouting and talent evaluation to support the team's roster construction. His prior experience with the and has informed his approach to personnel strategies in this position. In May 2025, the Patriots further strengthened their scouting department by hiring Highsmith's son, A.J. Highsmith, as director of pro scouting, marking a family collaboration in the front office that builds on Alonzo's established network in talent acquisition. As of November 2025, Highsmith has expressed strong interest in the ' general manager vacancy, positioning himself as a amid the team's search for new leadership following the departure of on October 31, 2025. In a June 2025 interview, he shared insights into the Patriots' , emphasizing the importance of collaborative scouting processes and player development philosophies to foster long-term team success.

Personal life and legacy

Family and personal interests

Alonzo Highsmith was married to Denise Chong Highsmith, with whom he shared a life centered on family and mutual support until her unexpected passing in September 2025 at the age of 61. Together, they raised five children: sons A.J., Alonzo Jr., and Brandon; daughters Jordan and Jazmine, who is married to JoRhon Calhoun. Highsmith's eldest son, Alonzo Highsmith Jr., followed in his father's footsteps as a player before transitioning to coaching, serving as a high school head football coach in as of 2025. The family's football legacy extends beyond immediate relatives, including Highsmith's cousin, Alonzo "Ali" Highsmith, a former linebacker who played professionally for the after a college career at LSU. This shared athletic heritage has been a recurring influence in Highsmith's personal life, fostering a deep appreciation for and discipline passed down through generations. Highsmith maintains strong personal ties to , where he grew up after moving from in his youth and where much of his family remains connected, reflecting his enduring passion for the community that shaped his early years. Following his professional transitions, he has resided in the area since joining the Patriots organization in 2024, balancing family commitments with his roots in . While specific non-athletic hobbies are not widely documented, Highsmith has expressed a personal commitment to valuing relationships and community bonds, often emphasizing the importance of uplifting others in his daily life.

Honors and contributions

Alonzo Highsmith was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 for his pivotal role as a fullback on the Hurricanes' 1983 national championship team and his overall contributions to the program during his college career from 1983 to 1986. He received further recognition with his induction into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame in 2005 as a player, honoring his impactful performances in college football, including games at the Orange Bowl stadium. Additionally, Highsmith was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award in 1988 by the Houston Oilers (now Tennessee Titans), an honor given annually to a player exemplifying commitment, courage, and sportsmanship. Throughout his executive career spanning over two decades in front offices, Highsmith has been renowned for his expertise in talent evaluation and , contributing to the drafting of key players such as and during his 19-year tenure with the from 1999 to 2018. His philosophy on player assessment, emphasizing holistic evaluation beyond physical attributes, has influenced player development strategies in organizations like the , where he served as vice president of player personnel, and the , where he advised on personnel matters. Highsmith's mentorship extends to guiding emerging scouts and executives, fostering a collaborative approach that bridges on-field experience with front-office decision-making, as evidenced by his well-respected status in circles. Highsmith's legacy is marked by his seamless transition from player to executive, uniquely positioning him to connect athletic performance with organizational strategy and enhance the football program's operations during his tenure as general manager from 2022 to 2024. This bridging role has left a lasting impact on front offices, where his insights continue to shape talent acquisition and team-building in his current position as senior personnel executive for the since 2024. His family's athletic lineage, including his son A.J. Highsmith's recent hiring as the Patriots' director of pro scouting in 2025, underscores his ongoing influence in perpetuating excellence in football personnel development.

References

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  7. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2025/10/09/miami-dolphins-chris-grier-alonzo-highsmith/86598989007/
  8. https://dolphinstalk.com/2025/11/alonzo-highsmith-has-interest-in-dolphins-gm-job/
  9. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HighBu20.htm
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  29. https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/04/07/reinventing-himself-alonzo-highsmith-former-nfl-back-hopes-to-be-a-heavyweight-contender
  30. https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/05/14/rebirth-ring-highsmiths-boxing-bridge/101594542/
  31. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/29/sports/boxing-highsmith-is-making-mark-as-a-fledgling-heavyweight.html
  32. https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/16880
  33. https://boxerlist.com/en/boxer/alonzo-highsmith/14004
  34. https://profootballdaly.com/friday-night-fights-ii-mark-gastineau-vs-alonzo-highsmith-1996/
  35. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-oct-23-sp-35447-story.html
  36. https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/29312/packers-best-late-rounder-donald-driver-still-teams-all-time-leading-receiver
  37. https://playfootball.nfl.com/discover/news-and-features/alonzo-highsmith-in-football-you-rely-on-every-single-play/
  38. https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-add-eliot-wolf-and-alonzo-highsmith-to-personnel-staff-20234188
  39. https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2018/5/1/17306112/highsmith-browns-draft-mayfield-darnold-allen
  40. https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-add-alonzo-highsmith-in-scouting-department-role
  41. https://seahawkswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/seahawks/2020/06/10/seattle-seahawks-hire-alonzo-highsmith-as-personnel-executive/80454924007/
  42. https://247sports.com/Article/-miami-football-gm-alonzo-highsmith-to-leave-school-join-new-england-patriots-front-office-staff-226809800/
  43. https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2022/05/26/university-of-miami-hires-alonzo-highsmith-as-general-manager-of-football-operations/
  44. https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/alonzo-highsmith-patriots-front-office-player-personnel-eliot-wolf-nfl/
  45. https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2024/02/10/alonzo-highsmith-patriots-front-office-talent-grading-system/
  46. https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/aj-highsmith-alonzo-highsmith-pro-scouting-director/708216/
  47. https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/5/7/24425863/patriots-hire-aj-highsmith-director-of-pro-scouting
  48. https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-general-manager-chris-grier-part-ways
  49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VioE07rhjTc
  50. https://nypost.com/2025/10/01/sports/wife-of-college-football-great-nfl-exec-alonzo-highsmith-dead-unexpectedly/
  51. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/denise-highsmith-obituary?id=59665079
  52. https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article1952696.html
  53. https://azpreps365.com/articles/7427-football-willcox-hires-alonzo-highsmith-jr
  54. https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/ali-highsmith/
  55. https://www.si.com/nfl/seahawks/onsi/news/alonzo-highsmith-leaves-seahawks-accepts-role-at-university-of-miami
  56. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonzo-highsmith-134a254b
  57. https://www.orangebowl.org/hall-of-fame/
  58. https://edblock.org/nfl_teams/tennessee-titans/
  59. https://247sports.com/college/miami/article/miami-hurricanes-football-alonzo-highsmith-shares-his-philosophy-on-talent-evaluation-chief-of-staff-141788268/
  60. https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-senior-personnel-executive-alonzo-highsmith-heads-to-university-of-miami
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