:Alejandro Villanueva (American football)

Villanueva was born on Naval Air Station Meridian in Meridian, Mississippi, to Ignacio Villanueva, a Spanish Naval officer who worked for NATO, and his Spanish wife Matilde Martín.{{cite web|title=El motrileño Alejandro Villanueva, de soldado en Afganistán a titular indiscutible en la NFL|url=http://www.ideal.es/granada/deportes/mas-deportes/201510/20/motrileno-alejandro-villanueva-soldado-20151020113115.html|website=ideal.es|access-date=January 16, 2017|language=es-ES|date=October 20, 2015}} Both his mother and father are over {{convert|6|ft|sigfig=3}} tall. Alejandro is the eldest of the family's four children, including siblings Carmen, Iñaki and Paloma.

During his childhood, he lived in Rhode Island, Spain, and Belgium. In Spain he learned to play rugby, which, for a time, he preferred to football. Later when his family moved to Belgium he continued to play rugby at SHAPE High School. One of his friends from SHAPE was later recruited to play football for the Army Black Knights, and raved about Villanueva to the Army coaches, putting him on their radar. They kept in touch and Villanueva told him that he was considering attending West Point, school to which he later attended.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/hotread140522/army-veteran-alejandro-villanueva-pursues-nfl-dream-philadelphia-eagles-three-tours-afghanistan |title=Alejandro Villanueva's long NFL path |author=Ashley Fox |work=ESPN.com |date=May 22, 2014}}

His brother Iñaki Villanueva is a professional rugby union player. He plays with the Spain national rugby union team and with the sevens team. He was in the squad that qualified for the 2016 Olympics, and he played in the Olympic tournament.

[[File:Alejandro Villanueva football.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Villanueva during his

first class year with Army]]

Villanueva played college football for the Army Black Knights at several positions, including left tackle, defensive lineman, and wide receiver.{{cite web|last=Breer|first=Albert|title=Super Regional Combine: Army veteran giving NFL one last shot|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/super-regional-combine-army-veteran-giving-nfl-one-last-shot-0ap2000000341231|work=NFL.com|publisher=NFL Enterprises|access-date=May 5, 2014|date=April 14, 2014}} Though originally recruited as a tight end, he played defensive end during his freshman season, mostly on special teams. In his sophomore season offensive line coach John Tice lobbied to have Villanueva converted to an offensive tackle which occurred near the end of his sophomore year. By his junior season he started every game at left tackle. Voted a team captain before his senior year, he reluctantly converted once more to become a {{convert|290|lb|kg}} wide receiver; a feature story in the Army football program read, "Already touted as the tallest football player in the country, Villanueva completed the transformation from being an offensive lineman for the past two years, to running routes on the field with the starting offense last Saturday night."{{cite web|last=Volkmann |first=Tim |title=A Tall Order: Things are looking up for Army football |url=http://www.goarmysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091209aab.html |work=Army Black Knights Football |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=May 9, 2014 |date=September 12, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513023534/http://www.goarmysports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091209aab.html |archive-date=May 13, 2014 }} His height, while reported by Army Football in 2009 to be {{convert|6|ft|10|in|m}}, was given by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014 as {{convert|6|ft|9|in|m}}.

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 9

| weight = 277

| note = All values from Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=74208&DraftYear=2010 |title=Alejandro Villanueva, Army, OT, 2010 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=March 9, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=https://insider.espn.com/nfl/draft/player/_/id/25756 |title=Alejandro Villanueva 2010 NFL Draft Profile |website=insider.espn.com |access-date=March 9, 2022}}

}}

Although he went undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft, he received a tryout with the Cincinnati Bengals as a tight end, but did not make the team and went back into military service. Two years later, he made a second attempt to play in the NFL as a tight end. He was given a tryout and practiced with the Chicago Bears, but was not signed. After finishing his last tour with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Villanueva decided to pursue his NFL career again and began working out at Savannah State University. In March 2014, he paid $245 to attend a regional NFL combine in Flowery Branch, Georgia. During this time, the NFL held 10 regional combines nationwide and had over 3,000 prospects attend. In April 2014, he was one of 240 prospects invited to the NFL super regional combine in Detroit and met with representatives from the Philadelphia Eagles.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/story/_/page/hotread140522/army-veteran-alejandro-villanueva-pursues-nfl-dream-philadelphia-eagles-three-tours-afghanistan| title=Alejandro Villanueva's long NFL path| access-date=February 1, 2017| website=ESPN.com| author=Ashley Fox| date=May 22, 2014}}

On May 5, 2014, he was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles for an undisclosed contract to play as a defensive end.{{cite web |title=Eagles sign Alejandro Villanueva, former US Army Ranger, to play defensive end |url=http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2014/05/eagles_sign_alejandro_villanueva_former_us_army_ranger_to_play_defensive_end.html |publisher=NJ.com |last=Shorr-Parks|first=Eliot |date=May 5, 2014 |access-date=May 5, 2014}} His signing marked the second time the Eagles had signed a military veteran in recent years, having previously had Chad Hall, a wide receiver from the Air Force, as a member of the team.{{cite web|last=Gardner|first=Sam|title=Philadelphia Eagles sign U.S. Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/philadelphia-eagles-sign-u-s-army-ranger-alejandro-villanueva-050514|work=FOX Sports|publisher=Fox Sports Interactive Media|access-date=May 7, 2014|date=May 5, 2014}} Villanueva said that if he did not make an NFL roster, he planned to serve a fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan. He commented, "I see this as a win-win situation. Obviously, I'm trying to get to a team and contribute. But if I can't, then I can't wait to get back to the Army and serve in the same manner that I have."{{cite web|last=Alper|first=Josh|title=Eagles sign U.S. Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/05/eagles-sign-army-ranger-alejandro-villanueva/|work=ProFootballTalk|publisher=NBC Sports|access-date=May 5, 2014|date=May 5, 2014}} During training camp, Villanueva gained {{convert|40|lb|kg}}, noting that he is eating a consistent diet, which contrasted with his military career insofar as while in the military, he often did not have time or inclination to eat, whereas with the Eagles, he was getting "plenty to eat".{{cite web|last1=Allibone |first1=Matt |title=Bulked up Villaneuva still adjusting to football |url=http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/bulked-villanueva-still-readjusting-football |website=CSNPhilly.com |publisher=Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia |access-date=August 9, 2014 |date=August 3, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807051922/http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/bulked-villanueva-still-readjusting-football |archive-date=August 7, 2014 }}{{cite web|last1=Jasner|first1=Andy|title=Former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva making an impression|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/6774/former-army-ranger-making-an-impression|website=NFL Nation |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=August 9, 2014|date=August 4, 2014}} It was announced on August 23 that he was one of 14 players cut from the team.{{Cite web|url=http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/08/23/eagles-cut-alejandro-villanueva/|title = Eagles Cut Alejandro Villanueva|date = August 23, 2014}}

On August 21, 2014, during a pre-season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Villanueva was spotted by Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin, who was impressed with his size and athleticism. Eight days after he was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to their practice squad on August 31, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://triblive.com/sports/joestarkey/6714049-74/villanueva-army-steelers| title=Starkey: Army vet earns instant respect with Steelers| access-date=February 1, 2017| website=triblive.com| author=Joe Starkey| date=September 3, 2014}} Upon joining his new team, he was immediately changed from a defensive end to an offensive tackle, as it was thought to better suit him. As a defensive end for the Eagles, Villanueva weighed 250 lb. Within a year of becoming an offensive tackle, he rose up to 340 lb.{{cite web |url=http://www.pennlive.com/steelers/index.ssf/2015/10/steelers_alejandro_villanueva_discovery.html |title=How the Steelers discovered Alejandro Villanueva |access-date=October 2, 2015}}

Throughout the 2014 season, Villanueva was kept on the practice squad to learn the position, put on more weight, and develop his abilities.

File:Alejandro Villanueva (American football).JPG

On January 6, 2015, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to a two-year, $960,000 reserve/futures contract.{{cite web |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/alejandro-villanueva-14408/ |title=Sportrac.com:Alejandro Villanueva contract |access-date=October 18, 2016 |website=Sportrac.com}} He was able to get reps in training camp and preseason as the second-team swing tackle, after Mike Adams suffered an injury. With Adams unable to recover before the regular season, Villanueva was slated as the Steelers' swing tackle to begin the 2015 season. He made his debut during the 2015 season opener against the New England Patriots, playing five snaps as an extra tackle on goal-line plays.{{cite web|url=http://www.steelersdepot.com/2015/09/todd-haley-finds-new-tackle-eligible-in-alejandro-villanueva/| title=Todd Haley finds new tackle eligible in Alejandro Villanueva| date=September 14, 2015|access-date=September 15, 2015}} He also appeared on special teams and played a few plays at tight end during this period.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/from-army-ranger-to-steelers-tackle-villanueva-excels-at-protection/amp/ |title=From Army Ranger to Steelers left tackle, Villanueva excels at prptections |access-date=November 29, 2016| website=CBSsports.com| author=Ryan Wilson| date=November 11, 2015}}

On October 18, 2015, Villanueva received his first opportunity at left tackle against the Arizona Cardinals after starting left tackle Kelvin Beachum left the game with a torn ACL.

The following week, Villanueva received his first career start at offensive tackle since his sophomore year at Army in 2008 and was tasked with blocking Kansas City Chiefs Pro-Bowl defensive end, Tamba Hali. He allowed a strip sack in the fourth quarter, which aided the Chiefs in defeating the Steelers. With Beachum out for the remainder of the season, Villanueva continued to play left tackle and started the last 12 games of the Steelers' season, including two playoffs games. In his first season as a starter, he was ranked the 48th best offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus with an overall grade of 47.5.{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-how-pittsburghs-o-line-is-driving-the-steelers-playoff-push/| title=Steeler's Online is driving playoff push| access-date=January 29, 2017| website=profootballfocus.com| date=January 16, 2017}} He surrendered 39 pressures on 459 pass blocking snaps and ranked as the 11th-worst offensive tackle in pass blocking efficiency with a grade of 93.2 by PFF.{{cite web |url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-offseason-to-do-list-for-the-pittsburgh-steelers/ |title=Offseason to do list to the Pittsburgh Steelers |access-date=February 1, 2017 |website=profootballfocus.com|date=January 27, 2016 }}

Villanueva was named the starting left tackle position to begin the 2016 season after Kelvin Beachum left via free agency and after outperforming Ryan Harris in training camp.{{cite web |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/alejandrovillanueva/2550130/profile |title=NFL Player Profile:Alejandro Villanueva |access-date=October 18, 2016 |website=NFL.com}} Villanueva struggled early on in the season and surrendered five sacks in the first six games of the season. His run blocking and pass protection greatly improved after Week 7 and he only allowed one sack in the last ten games, helping the Pittsburgh Steelers reach the playoffs.{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/steelers-2016-2017-preview-playoffs-afc-championship-news-updates-roster-depth-chart-salary-cap-tickets-new-england-patriots-how-to-watch/2017/1/20/14314866/alejandro-villanuevas-growth-key-to-steelers-offensive-line-dominance-patriots-afc-championship| title=Alejandro Villanueva's growth key to Steeler's offensive line dominance| access-date=January 29, 2017| website=behindthesteelcurtain.com| date=January 20, 2017}} He finished the season ranking as the 23rd best offensive tackle in the league after receiving an 82.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. Including the three playoff games, Villanueva allowed 46 pressures and was penalized eight times in 19 starts with 26 of those pressures and five penalties coming in the first six regular season games. From Week 11 to the AFC Championship, he performed well enough to rank as the best offensive tackle in that span.

On July 27, 2017, Villanueva signed a four-year, $24 million contract extension with the Steelers.{{cite web|title=Steelers sign Alejandro Villanueva to 4-year, $24M deal|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-sign-alejandro-villanueva-to-4-year-24m-deal-0ap3000000822585|author=Rosenthal, Gregg|website=NFL.com|date=July 27, 2017}} Villanueva was credited with creating an audible that included the phrase "Dilly Dilly" from a Bud Light television commercial, that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger later used in a live game.[http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/26059/steelers-take-titans-to-pit-of-misery-with-dilly-dilly-call Steelers take Titans to pit of misery with 'Dilly Dilly' call]. ESPN.com. Retrieved November 17, 2017. On December 19, 2017, Villanueva was named to his first Pro Bowl along with fellow Steeler offensive linemen David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey.{{cite web|title=NFL announces 2018 Pro Bowl rosters|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/updated-player-rosters-for-2018-pro-bowl-in-orlando-0ap3000000895772|website=NFL.com|date=December 19, 2017|access-date=December 23, 2017}} He became the first service academy graduate to play in the Pro Bowl since Roger Staubach in 1979.{{cite web| title=West Point grad, Steeler Alejandro Villanueva named Pro Bowl starter| url=https://www.armytimes.com/off-duty/military-sports/2017/12/20/west-point-grad-steeler-alejandro-villanueva-named-pro-bowl-starter/| access-date=January 22, 2018| website=ArmyTimes.com| author=Staff| date=December 20, 2017}} Villanueva started all 16 games in {{NFL Year|2017}} received an overall grade of 74.3 from Pro Football Focus. His grade ranked him 24th among all offensive tackles in the NFL.{{cite web| title=Pro Football Focus: Alejandro Villanueva| url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/alejandro-villanueva/9091| access-date=January 22, 2018| website=ProFootballFocus.com}}

On September 24, 2017, prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, the Steelers did not take the field for the national anthem in order to avoid getting caught up in the controversy related to players kneeling or displaying other signs of racial protest around the NFL started by Colin Kaepernick.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/23/sports/football/nfl-protest-colin-kaepernick.html|title=Kaepernick's Protest Cascades Into Protests Over His Job Situation|last=Belson|first=Ken|date=August 23, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 18, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}

Villanueva was the lone member of the Steelers to appear publicly for the national anthem, standing in front of the entrance tunnel for the performance while the rest of the team remained in the tunnel. Head coach Mike Tomlin stated a wish to simply play the game and not allow for any show of support one way or the other on the issue.{{cite web|title=Steelers don't participate in national anthem, with exception of ex-Ranger Alejandro Villanueva|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/09/24/pittsburgh-steelers-national-anthem-mike-tomlin/697847001/|website=USA TODAY|access-date=September 24, 2017|date=September 24, 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Dator|first1=James|title=Alejandro Villanueva, a U.S. Army veteran, was the lone Steeler on the field during national anthem|url=https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2017/9/24/16357738/alejandro-villanueva-u-s-army-veteran-lone-steeler-on-field-national-anthem|website=SBNation.com|access-date=September 24, 2017|date=September 24, 2017}} Likely as a result of this, Villanueva's jersey became the top selling jersey on the NFL's official store in the 24-hour period after Sunday's games started.{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/09/25/alejandro-villanueva-jersey-sales-national-anthem|title=Villanueva ranks first in jersey sales after anthem display|last=Gartland|first=Dan|work=SI.com|access-date=September 26, 2017}} The move caught some of his teammates and coach Tomlin by surprise.{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/09/25/alejandro-villanueva-jersey-sales-national-anthem|title=Villanueva ranks first in jersey sales after anthem display|work=SI.com|access-date=September 26, 2017|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/09/25/james-harrison-was-surprised-alejandro-villanueva-did-his-own-thing/|title=James Harrison was surprised Alejandro Villanueva did his own thing|date=September 25, 2017|work=ProFootballTalk|access-date=September 26, 2017|language=en-US}} Later, Villanueva apologized for his appearance saying, "I see that picture of me standing by myself and I'm embarrassed to a degree, because unintentionally I left my teammates behind."{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20819284/alejandro-villanueva-pittsburgh-steelers-standing-alone-intentional|title=Villanueva: Standing alone wasn't intentional|work=ESPN.com|access-date=September 26, 2017}} At a press conference the day after, he said, "Unfortunately, I threw my teammates under the bus, unintentionally...Every single time I see that picture of me, standing by myself, I feel embarrassed."{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/steelers-tackle-alejandro-villanueva-apologizes-embarrassing-solo-national/story?id=50095642|title=Team's actions were not a boycott of the anthem, says Steelers owner|website=ABC News|language=en|access-date=May 18, 2019}}

In additional comments, he said, "It wasn't me stepping forward. I never planned to boycott the plan that the Steelers came up with. I just thought there would be some middle ground where I could stand in the tunnel, nobody would see me."{{Cite news|url=http://www.journalnow.com/news/nation_world/villanueva-on-anthem-flap-it-wasn-t-me-stepping-forward/article_62177918-7571-5d91-9bbf-f2337ea908ef.html|title=Villanueva on anthem flap: 'It wasn't me stepping forward'|agency=Associated Press|work=Winston-Salem Journal|access-date=September 26, 2017|language=en}}

File:Myles Garrett (49093702366).jpg in 2019]]

On November 25, 2018, Villanueva caught his first career touchdown pass on a fake field goal from Chris Boswell at the end of the first half in a game against the Denver Broncos.

He received an overall grade of 78.1 from Pro Football Focus in 2018, which ranked as the 12th highest grade among all qualifying offensive tackles.{{cite web |url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/alejandro-villanueva/9091 |title=Pro Football Focus: Alejandro Villanueva |author= |website=profootballfocus.com |access-date=March 31, 2019}}

On September 28, 2020, Villanueva taped Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe's name on the back of his helmet, covering the name of Antwon Rose Jr, who was killed by an East Pittsburgh police officer in June 2018 after being involved in a drive-by shooting.{{Cite web|title=Who is Alwyn Cashe and why did Alejandro Villanueva choose to honor him? {{!}} TribLIVE.com|url=https://triblive.com/sports/steelers/who-is-alwyn-cashe-and-why-did-alejandro-villanueva-choose-to-honor-him/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=triblive.com|date=September 16, 2020}} Cashe was a US Army non-commissioned officer posthumously awarded the Silver Star ( Later upgraded to the Congressional Medal Of Honor) in 2005 for actions he took in Operation Iraqi Freedom to rescue soldiers from a burning vehicle, during which time he sustained burns over 75% of his body and ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The Steelers team had previously decided to honor Rose. Villanueva stated his actions were intended to support the campaign to upgrade Cashe's award for valor from the Silver Star to the Medal of Honor.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-28|title=Steelers OT Alejandro Villanueva finally clears air about his helmet|url=https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/28/steelers-alejandro-villanueva-alwyn-cashe-helmet-antwon-rose/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Steelers Wire|language=en-US}}

On May 4, 2021, Villanueva signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web|date=2021-05-04|title=Ravens agree to deal with veteran offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-agree-to-deal-with-veteran-offensive-tackle-alejandro-villanueva|access-date=2021-05-05|website=Baltimore Ravens|language=en-US}}

On March 9, 2022, Villanueva announced his retirement from the NFL.{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/alejandro-villanueva-retires-from-nfl-ravens-steelers-army|work=BaltimoreRavens.com|title=Ravens Place Alejandro Villanueva on Reserve/Retired List|date=March 9, 2022|accessdate=March 9, 2022|first=Clifton|last=Brown}}

{{Infobox military person

| name = Alejandro Villanueva

| image =

| caption =

| birth_name =

| birth_date =

| death_date =

| death_place =

| religion =

| nickname =

| allegiance = United States

| branch = United States Army

| serviceyears = 2010–2015{{cite web|title=From being an Army Ranger to an NFL star|url=https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2019-news-articles/soldier-to-steeler-nfl-star-shares-insight-to-military-service/|website=MOAA.org|access-date=September 17, 2020|date=September 27, 2019}}

| rank = 25px Captain

| unit = 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment
2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division

| commands =

| battles = War in Afghanistan

| awards = Bronze Star Medal with "V" device (2)

}}

After graduating from the United States Military Academy, Villanueva was commissioned into the United States Army on May 22, 2010, as a second lieutenant in the Infantry.{{cite web|title=Eagles sign U.S. Army Ranger Villanueva|url=http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Eagles-Sign-US-Army-Ranger-Villanueva/cc530a5f-5c16-47b5-a546-5a8740dfd6a9|work=PhiladelphiaEagles.com|publisher=Philadelphia Eagles|access-date=May 5, 2014|date=May 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506005236/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Eagles-Sign-US-Army-Ranger-Villanueva/cc530a5f-5c16-47b5-a546-5a8740dfd6a9|archive-date=May 6, 2014|url-status=dead}} Directly after being commissioned he attended various military schools, including the Infantry, Airborne, and Ranger Schools; all located at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completing the three courses, he was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. It was with the 10th Mountain Division he deployed for the first time for 12 months to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan as a rifle platoon leader. As a result of his actions during this deployment he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for rescuing wounded soldiers while under enemy fire. When he returned from his deployment, he was reassigned as a company executive officer.

Villanueva volunteered for the 75th Ranger Regiment's Ranger Orientation Program in 2013. He was assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion. His roles within the Battalion have included plans officer, platoon leader, and company executive officer.

He has deployed two more times to Afghanistan for a total of eight months between both deployments. In 2015, Villanueva left the army when downsizing efforts meant he would have to wait 18 months for a command position that would last less than 12 months.{{cite web|title=From being an Army Ranger to an NFL star|url=https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2019-news-articles/soldier-to-steeler-nfl-star-shares-insight-to-military-service/|website=MOAA.org|access-date=September 17, 2020|date=September 27, 2019}}

Villanueva has spoken publicly about the importance of his Catholic faith in his life and work.{{cite web| url=http://www.pittsburghcatholic.org/News/Faith-warrior--Steelers-lineman-builds-ties-to-God-| title=Faith warrior: Steeler's lineman builds ties to God| access-date=February 1, 2017| website=Pittsburghcatholic.org| author=John Frank| date=February 22, 2016| archive-date=February 3, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203025414/http://www.pittsburghcatholic.org/News/Faith-warrior--Steelers-lineman-builds-ties-to-God-| url-status=dead}} In November 2013, he married Madelyn Muldoon in a small ceremony in her parents' backyard. He met her through her brother, Joe Muldoon, with whom he played football at Army, and the two began dating in the spring of 2012. On May 9, 2015, Alejandro and Madelyn had a larger ceremony at the Jesus the Divine Word Catholic Church in Huntingtown, Maryland.{{cite web| url=https://www.weddingwire.com/weddings/3541338/wedding_new_website#!/website/2415627| title=Alejandro & Madelyn: Happily Ever After| access-date=February 1, 2017| website=weddingwire.com| archive-date=September 25, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925132125/https://www.weddingwire.com/weddings/3541338/wedding_new_website#!/website/2415627| url-status=dead}}

In the fall of 2015, Villanueva enrolled in Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. After studying part-time for four years, one more than is typical for a student in Tepper's MBA program, Villanueva received his degree in 2019.{{cite web

|url= https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/06/07/alejandro-villanueva-earns-mba-from-carnegie-mellon/

|title=Alejandro Villanueva earns MBA from Carnegie Mellon

|last=Williams |first=Charean |date=June 7, 2019 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Universal |access-date=October 29, 2019}}

During the 2017 season, Villanueva taught JuJu Smith-Schuster, his 20-year-old teammate, how to drive using Villanueva's own Ford F-150 Limited.

{{cite news

|last=Gentille |first=Sean |date=September 19, 2017

|title='Call of Duty: WWII' features Le'Veon Bell and Alejandro Villanueva. Here's what they think about that.

|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/09/19/leveon-bell-call-of-duty-ww2-headquarter/stories/201709190084

|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

|access-date=October 29, 2019}}

Villanueva began a partnership with USAA in 2016 and appeared in one of the company's member's voices commercials. His wife and son also appear in it.{{cite news |title=Bronze Star winner Villanueva's saga being told by USAA |url=https://apnews.com/3ce144e01aff4cc4855dff57cf163c93/bronze-star-winner-villanuevas-saga-being-told-usaa |website=APNews.com |date=September 30, 2016 |access-date=March 1, 2020}}

• List of sportspeople educated at the United States Military Academy

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/players-roster/alejandro-villanueva/ Baltimore Ravens bio]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Villanueva, Alejandro}}

Category:1988 births

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Category:American football defensive ends

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Category:Spanish emigrants to the United States

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