Charles Alston (gridiron football)

Charles Alston (born June 8, 1978) is a former professional gridiron football defensive end who played for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Alston played college football and college basketball at Bowie State University, becoming the first NCAA player to play both a football and basketball game in the same day. In his first of two years with the Bulldogs, Alston was named to the All-Conference football team in his role as an offensive lineman. He later led the Bulldogs in his second year as the team captain. From 2003 to 2004, Alston attempted to break into the National Football League (NFL), spending time with three different teams in the preseason or as a practice squad player. He never played a regular season game in the NFL.

Alston joined the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL in 2005, remaining with the team for three years. He played in 22 regular season games, recording 37 tackles, five sacks, and four forced fumbles. In the 93rd Grey Cup, Alston sacked the opposing quarterback in overtime, leading to a scoreless drive for the Montreal Alouettes and a 38–35 win for the Eskimos. Alston had several stints as a starting player for the Eskimos, but his role as a starter was never consistent, partially due to injuries. He was released by the Eskimos after the 2007 season.