Former Alabama Cornerback Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Former Alabama cornerback earns his first weekly award to start his NFL career, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Saints' 26-14 comeback victory over the New York Giants on Sunday.

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The Giants targeted McKinstry five times on Sunday, where he totaled four tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions, halting what were promising drives for the New York Giants.

McKinstry marks the fourth New Orleans Saint to win the award in the past 10 seasons, joining Paulson Adebo, Marshon Lattimore, and P.J. Williams. He is also the 10th former Alabama defensive back to win the weekly honor in the past 10 seasons, with Brian Branch being the most recent in week six of the 2024 season.

The Saints drafted McKinstry in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft out of Alabama. He spent three seasons with the Crimson Tide, totaling 93 tackles, 23 pass breakups (15 came in 2022), five tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two sacks. His 15 pass breakups in 2022 led all SEC defensive backs.

Since he was drafted by the Saints, McKinstry has started 14 games and appeared in 20 in his NFL career, totaling 62 tackles, 10 pass breakups, three tackles for loss, and two interceptions. His first interception against the Giants on Sunday was the first of his NFL career.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.