Allen Aldridge, a former NFL star who won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos, has passed away at the age of 52. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Aldridge spent eight seasons in the NFL, four with the Broncos and four with the Detroit Lions, where he played middle linebacker during Denver’s 1997 Super Bowl-winning season. He has been serving as head coach for Fort Bend Bush High School in Richmond, Texas, since 2008. Before his NFL career, Aldridge played for his hometown Houston Cougars in college. Both the Houston Cougars and the Broncos released statements mourning his passing, with former teammates praising his talent and work ethic.
Aldridge’s football career began at the University of Houston, where he quickly made an impact as a gifted talent. He was drafted by the Broncos in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft and had a breakout season in 1995 with 89 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. This performance led to Aldridge becoming a starting linebacker for the Broncos, and he played a crucial role in the team’s Super Bowl victory in 1997. In the AFC championship game that year, Aldridge intercepted Kordell Stewart, helping the team secure a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Broncos went on to defeat the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII.
After his time with the Broncos, Aldridge moved on to the Detroit Lions for the 1998 season. He continued to excel on the field, recording 70 tackles, three sacks, a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and nine tackles for loss in his debut season with the Lions. Aldridge played three more seasons before retiring in 2001, finishing his career with 10.5 sacks, 482 combined tackles, one interception, five forced fumbles, and 18 tackles for loss over 128 games. Aldridge’s contributions to both the Broncos and Lions were remembered by fans and teammates.
In addition to his NFL career, Aldridge made a significant impact as a high school coach at Fort Bend Bush High School. His team made the playoffs eight times during his tenure, with a standout season in 2012 where they achieved a 10-2 record, the best in the program’s history. Aldridge’s coaching abilities and dedication to his players were evident in the success of the team under his leadership. His passing has left a void in the Fort Bend Bush High School community and beyond, with many mourning the loss of a talented player and coach.
The football world is mourning the loss of Allen Aldridge, with both the University of Houston and the Denver Broncos paying tribute to his achievements on and off the field. Former teammates remember him as a standout player with unique talent and a drive for greatness. Aldridge’s impact as a player and coach will be remembered by those who knew him, with his legacy living on in the teams he played for and coached. The details surrounding his death have not been disclosed, but his contributions to football will continue to be celebrated and honored by those who knew and respected him.
