Denver Broncos helmet (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Former Denver Broncos star linebacker and long snapper Allen Aldridge has passed away at the age of 52.
On Monday afternoon, the University of Houston Cougars announced on X/Twitter that Allen Aldridge passed away. The Houston, Texas native was employed as the head football coach at Fort Bend Bush High School for the past 15 years before his untimely passing.
Houston Football mourns the loss of decorated Cougar and former NFL standout Allen Aldridge.
Our thoughts are with his family, former teammates and the Fort Bend Bush High School community. pic.twitter.com/sHId0z48T4
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) September 9, 2024
Per Matt Stepp of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the former NFL star “passed away unexpectedly overnight”. The cause of death for the Super Bowl 32 champion is unknown at this time.
After starring for the Cougars, Allen Aldridge was drafted in the second round (51st overall) by the Broncos in 1994. Aldridge spent four seasons there and led Denver to a giant upset over the defending champion Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl 32.
Saddened to hear about the sudden and unexpected passing of @BUSHHS_FOOTBALL HC Allen Aldridge, Jr.
Coach was always kind and welcoming to me when I’d cover his team and players. My prayers to his family, the @BHS_Broncos community & @FBISDAthletics 🙏@abc13houston #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/8gHz42vMos— Joe Gleason (@joeagleason) September 9, 2024
Aldridge joined the Detroit Lions in 1998 and spent four seasons there, helping them to a postseason appearance in 1999. He was picked up by his hometown team, the expansion Houston Texans franchise, in 2002.
Allen Aldridge never played a game for the Texans and retired soon after. He spent 20 years at Fort Bend Bush High School before his tragic death.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Aldridge’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Allen Aldridge Helped Broncos Finally Get Over The Top
The Broncos had a long history of heartbreaking playoff losses before Aldridge arrived in 1994, including three Super Bowl losses under star quarterback John Elway. But things finally turned a corner under head coach Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Greg Robinson when the former took over the reins in 1996.
Aldridge was a starting linebacker on the stingy Broncos’ defense that kept MVP Brett Favre and the high-powered Packers offense at bay in Super Bowl 32. Denver emerged victorious 31-24 in the big game, and they went on to defeat the Atlana Falcons in Super Bowl 33 to achieve the rare repeat.
