Allen Aldridge, former Broncos and Lions linebacker, has died at the age of 52, according to NBC Sports.
Aldridge, also known as Coach Aldridge at George Bush High School, was described as a “gentle giant from a family with deep roots in the NFL and the Houston sports community,” according to Fort Bend Independent School District.
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He graduated from Willowridge High School and then attended the University of Houston. Aldridge finished college in 1993 and was a second-round pick by the Broncos the next year, NBC Sports reports.
After the NFL, Coach Aldridge was committed to developing his players into young men who conducted themselves with integrity and pride, and he would sometimes show his Super Bowl ring to students to demonstrate that nothing was impossible, Fort Bend ISD stated in a release.
He served as a coach for the George Bush Broncos for 20 years and had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of young men and women.
“He lived by the motto he learned as a FBISD student at Willowridge High School to exemplify Class and Character in all aspects of his life. His presence and influence as a servant leader, mentor and teacher were felt by all at George Bush High and his positivity was evident among players, coaches, and colleagues as he directed them to always ‘Coach ‘em up!,’” Fort Bend ISD’s release stated. “We extend our deepest condolences along with heartfelt thoughts of comfort and strength to the Aldridge family, as well to Coach’s players, students, colleagues and all who knew and loved him.”