National Football Foundation

One of the best defenders in the Ivy League, Alex Gross is described as "one of the finest young men and student-athletes we've had at Columbia" by athletics director Dr. Dianne Murphy. Gross is the fourth NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Columbia University and the first since 2004.

Gross, a sociology major, has earned a spot on the Dean's List three times. In 2008, the Kettering, Ohio native was an Academic All-Ivy League selection.

As an All-Ivy League selection in 2008, Gross led the league in tackles with 101 stops. He ranked 20th in the FCS with 10.1 tackles per game. As a freshman in 2007, Gross was named Ivy League Rookie of the Week four times en route to earning Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors. Gross's four Rookie of the Week honors rank second in Ivy League history. For his career, Gross has totaled 206 stops, including 12.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions. In 2010, Gross leads the Lions and the Ivy League with 75 tackles. The two-time team captain was named the Ivy League's Defensive Player of the Week for Oct. 11 when he claimed 11 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception return for a 69-yard score in Columbia's 42-28 win over Lafayette.

An active volunteer at St. Francis Youth Center, Gross took part in the center's Christmas party and spring sports clinic. He also collected items for Toys for Tots and delivered meals to Padre Pio Homeless Shelter. Additionally, Gross helped support youth literacy and female empowerment through Shakespeare's Sister Company. He earned his MBA from Notre Dame and is currently an assistant brand manager for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.