Former Denver Broncos linebacker Allen Aldridge has passed away, the team announced on Monday.
Aldridge played for the Broncos from 1994-97 after being selected in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Houston. He was the starting middle linebacker for the team during its first Super Bowl victory over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. He had 230 tackles and 1.5 sacks while making 45 starts in four years for the team.
Houston Football mourns the loss of decorated Cougar and former NFL standout Allen Aldridge.
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) September 9, 2024
Our thoughts are with his family, former teammates and the Fort Bend Bush High School community. pic.twitter.com/sHId0z48T4
In 1998 he signed with the Detroit Lions and played for them for four more seasons before finishing his career with the Houston Texans in 2002. When he didn't make the team there, he retired.
Aldridge stayed close to the game following his playing career. He was the head coach at Fort Bend Bush High School from 2008 until his death. No cause of death was revealed but it was reported that it was sudden and unexpected.
Allen Aldridge was a key piece of Broncos' first Super Bowl run
During the 1997 playoffs, Aldridge made a key interception in the AFC Championship Game, catching a pass throw by Kordell Stewart in the end zone which went a long way in the Broncos winning that game.
He started all four games during their run to the championship as a Wild Card team and though he's not the first player you think of when you look back on that team, he was a consistent player and won who earned his ring.
Our condolences go out to Allen Aldridge, his entire family, and his friends.
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