Who is Levi Wallace? Levi Wallace is an inspiring story of grit and determination in the NFL. Born on June 12, 1995, in Tucson, Arizona, Wallace's journey from a high school player with no significant scholarship offers to a starting cornerback in the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. He walked on to the University of Alabama's football team, eventually earning a scholarship and contributing to a national championship. Despite going undrafted in 2018, Wallace signed with the Buffalo Bills, proving his worth on the field. His career has since taken him to the Pittsburgh Steelers and now the Denver Broncos, where he continues to shine.
Key Takeaways:
- Levi Wallace's journey from Tucson High School to the NFL showcases the power of hard work and determination, proving that talent and dedication can lead to success in the world of sports.
- Wallace's impact on the Denver Broncos as a veteran cornerback brings experience, skill, and mentorship to the team, highlighting the value of his proven track record in the NFL.
Early Life and High School Career
Levi Wallace's journey to the NFL is a story of perseverance and hard work. Let's dive into his early years and high school career.
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Levi Wallace grew up in a football-loving family in Tucson, Arizona. His father, a former army veteran, played a crucial role in his early development and discipline.
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Wallace attended Tucson High School, where he played football and track and field. Initially, he wasn't a starter, but through hard work, he eventually earned a spot on the team.
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Despite not receiving significant scholarship offers, Wallace's senior year was particularly impressive. His talent and dedication caught the eyes of college scouts.
College Football at Alabama
Levi Wallace's college career at the University of Alabama was marked by determination and success. Here's a look at his time with the Crimson Tide.
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Wallace played college football at the University of Alabama. Initially walking on to the football team, he worked hard to earn a scholarship.
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In 2017, Wallace was named to the All-SEC second team. He contributed significantly to Alabama's strong defensive unit, earning accolades for his performance on the field.
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In his senior year, Wallace started in 14 games and was a starter during the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game. Alabama won in overtime over Georgia, 26–23.
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Wallace totaled 48 tackles and caught three interceptions during his senior year. His defensive skills were crucial to Alabama's success.
Professional Career Beginnings
Levi Wallace's transition to the NFL was not without challenges, but his determination paid off. Let's explore his early professional career.
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After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Wallace signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. He quickly made an impact on the team.
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On September 1, 2018, the Bills waived Wallace as part of their final roster cuts but signed him to their practice squad the following day. His perseverance kept him in the game.
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On November 6, 2018, the Bills promoted Wallace from their practice squad to the active roster. He made his professional regular season debut and first career start on November 11, 2018, against the New York Jets.
Buffalo Bills Career
Levi Wallace's time with the Buffalo Bills showcased his growth and development as a cornerback. Here are some highlights.
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In his rookie season, Wallace finished with 37 combined tackles (24 solo) and three pass deflections in seven games and seven starts. He also recorded one sack on Lamar Jackson during the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens.
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In 2021, Wallace re-signed with the Bills on a one-year contract. He became the top cornerback on the roster after White suffered a torn ACL in week 12.
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Wallace allowed just a 72.6 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks. He started all 17 regular season games and both of the Bills' postseason games.
Pittsburgh Steelers Signing
Levi Wallace's move to the Pittsburgh Steelers marked a new chapter in his career. Let's look at his time with the Steelers.
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On March 17, 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Wallace to a two-year, $8 million contract. This included a signing bonus of $2.96 million.
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In the 2022 season, Wallace appeared in 15 games and started nine. He finished with 48 total tackles, a career-high four interceptions, and 13 passes defended.
Denver Broncos Signing
Levi Wallace's career took another turn with his signing by the Denver Broncos. Here's what you need to know.
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By 2024, Wallace was a starting player for the Denver Broncos. His addition to the Broncos’ roster is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s defensive lineup.
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As a starter for the Broncos, Wallace is expected to provide crucial support in the secondary. His proven track record in the NFL makes him a valuable asset.
Physical Attributes and Skills
Levi Wallace's physical attributes and skills have played a significant role in his success. Let's explore these aspects.
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Wallace stands at 6 feet 0 inches (1.84 meters) tall and weighs 179 pounds (81 kilograms). His arm length is 32 3/4 inches (0.83 meters), and his hand span is 9 3/8 inches (0.24 meters).
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He ran a 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds and recorded a vertical jump of 33 inches (0.84 meters). These physical attributes contribute to his effectiveness on the field.
College Football Experience
Levi Wallace's college football experience at Alabama was instrumental in shaping his professional career. Here are some key points.
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During his time at Alabama, Wallace played significant minutes in the defensive secondary. He provided depth and contributed to the team's strong defensive unit.
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Wallace was awarded a scholarship during fall camp in 2016. He worked his way into a significant role in the secondary as a junior.
High School Track and Field
Levi Wallace's high school track and field experience added to his athleticism. Let's take a look.
- In addition to football, Wallace also competed in track and field during his high school years. This multi-sport background likely contributed to his overall athleticism and endurance.
Family Influence
Levi Wallace's family played a pivotal role in his early development. Here's how they influenced his career.
- Wallace's family played a pivotal role in his early development. His father's influence and support helped shape his discipline and work ethic.
College Football Awards
Levi Wallace received several awards and recognitions during his college career. Let's explore these accolades.
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Wallace was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 2017. He joined teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick on the list.
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He was also chosen as a Midseason First Team All-American by the Associated Press. Sports Illustrated and TheAthletic.com also recognized him as a Midseason All-American.
SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week
Levi Wallace's performance in the SEC earned him recognition. Here's a highlight.
- In 2017, Wallace was selected as the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week for his two-interception game against Ole Miss. His career day against Tennessee also earned him this honor.
Professional Experience
Levi Wallace's professional experience spans several NFL teams. Let's take a look at his journey.
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Wallace has now completed seven seasons in the NFL. His career is marked by significant milestones and contributions to his teams.
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Wallace has played for three NFL teams: the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos. His tenure with each team has been marked by notable performances.
Denver Broncos Impact
Levi Wallace's impact on the Denver Broncos is noteworthy. Here's how he contributes to the team.
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As a veteran cornerback, Wallace brings experience and skill to Denver’s defense. His addition to the Broncos’ roster is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s defensive lineup.
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With his proven track record in the NFL, Wallace is in a good position to help mentor younger players like Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis. His experience is invaluable to the team's overall defensive strategy.
Levi Wallace: A Journey of Resilience and Success
Levi Wallace's story is one of grit and determination. From his early days in Tucson, Arizona, to becoming a standout player at Alabama, Wallace has shown what hard work can achieve. Despite going undrafted in 2018, he made a name for himself with the Buffalo Bills, proving his worth on the field. His journey continued with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he further showcased his skills. Now, as a key player for the Denver Broncos, Wallace's experience and talent are invaluable. His career highlights, including significant tackles and interceptions, speak volumes about his dedication. Wallace's journey from a walk-on at Alabama to a respected NFL cornerback is truly inspiring. His story reminds us that with perseverance and hard work, anything is possible. Here's to Levi Wallace, a testament to resilience and success in the world of professional football.
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