Mario Alford

Mario Alford (born February 25, 1992) is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist. He most recently played for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers, earning first-team All-American honors in 2014.

Professional career Cincinnati Bengals Alford was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round, 238th overall, in the 2015 NFL draft. He played in one game his rookie year with the Bengals registering one catch for 15 yards. On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Bengals.

New York Jets On November 16, 2016, Alford was signed to the practice squad of the New York Jets. He was released by the team on December 6, 2016.

Cleveland Browns Alford was signed to the Cleveland Browns' practice squad on December 13, 2016. He was promoted to the active roster on December 17, 2016.

On September 1, 2017, Alford was waived by the Browns during roster cutdowns.

Chicago Bears On September 12, 2017, Alford was signed to the Chicago Bears' practice squad.

Toronto Argonauts On June 3, 2018, Alford signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In his lone season in Toronto, Alford appeared in six games and caught seven passes for 57 yards, returned eight kick-offs for 170 yards, had five punt returns for seven yards, and rushed the ball once for 10 yards. He was released on May 25, 2019.

Montreal Alouettes (first stint) On September 24, 2019, it was announced that Alford had signed with the Montreal Alouettes. He was signed for the 2021 season on December 15, 2020. Over parts of three seasons, Alford played in nine games with the Alouettes where he had 24 kickoff returns for 477 yards, 26 punt returns for 486 yards and three touchdowns, and two missed field goal returns for 45 yards. He played in 13 regular season games for the team where he had 38 kickoff returns for 990 yards and two touchdowns, 44 punt returns for 530 yards and one touchdown, and three missed field goal returns for 129 yards and one touchdown.

On November 15, 2022, the Roughriders announced that Alford had signed a contract extension with the team. In 2023, he had 2,266 combined yards (978 punt return, 1,181 kickoff return, 107 missed field goal return). Alford added three touchdowns on punt returns, including two on July 15 against the Calgary Stampeders.

On January 4, 2024, the Roughriders announced that Alford had signed a one-year contract extension with the team.

He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 10, 2026.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats On February 10, 2026, it was announced that Alford had signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. On May 25, he was released.

Montreal Alouettes (second stint) The Montreal Alouettes announced on June 18, 2026, that Alford had re-signed with the team following the release of the incumbent returner, Phillip Brooks, two days earlier. He played in four games where he had 20 punt returns for 226 yards and 14 kickoff returns for 293 yards. With Devonte Dedmon healthy, Alford was released on July 21, 2026.