Vernon Leroy Maxwell (born October 25, 1961) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1980s. Maxwell played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils, earning consensus All-American honors in 1982. He played professionally for the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks, and was recognized as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Maxwell was born in Birmingham, Alabama.