Jon Alston (born June 4, 1983) is an American screenwriter, director, producer and former NFL linebacker. He has written and produced on critically acclaimed shows such as S.W.A.T. and All American. His first feature-length film, Red Butterfly, debuted at the 23rd Annual St. Louis International Film Festival. His sophomore film, Augustus, has received 24 wins and five nominations since its debut in 2020, notably winning the Directorial Discovery Grand Prize at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. Prior to filmmaking, Alston earned a football scholarship to Stanford University which led to a career in the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft, ultimately spending five seasons in the NFL as a linebacker. Alston additionally played for the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers; he retired in 2011. Jon later graduated from Stanford University with a degree in Film and Media Studies before matriculating at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. Early years Alston grew up in Bastrop, Louisiana, but moved to Shreveport, Louisiana shortly before high school. He got his first taste of organized football in his freshman year of high school at Loyola College Prep. Jon excelled in football, earning All-District honors in his sophomore, junior year, and All-State his senior year. As a linebacker, Alston registered 134 tackles and 21 stops for losses in his senior season. He played free safety, middle linebacker and tight end as a sophomore and started at running back as a freshman Football career College career Alston went on to play college football for the Stanford Cardinal. In 43 games with the Cardinal, Alston started 27 times. He finished his career with 164 tackles (94 solos), 21 sacks and 29.5 stops for losses. Professional career Pre-draft One of the most athletic linebackers in all of football, posting a 4.40 40-yd dash and 40" vertical leap at the 2006 NFL Combine. He also had a 11'00" broad jump. and bench-pressed 225 pounds 30 times. At the Stanford pro day, Alston ran a 4.40 40-yard dash. St. Louis Rams Alston was drafted in the third round (77th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. In 2006, he made 2 special teams tackles for the Rams. On September 1, 2007, he was released by the Rams. Oakland Raiders On September 3, 2007, Alston was signed to the Oakland Raiders' practice