Former Alabama defensive lineman Lorenzo Washington passed away Sunday.
While details of Washington’s death have yet to be released, several of his college teammates shared their condolences via social media, including former Alabama linebacker Eryk Anders.
“We lost a real one today. Rest easy brotha,” Anders posted on Instagram.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who coached Washington at UA from 2007-09, also issued a statement on Monday after learning about the news of his former player’s untimely passing.
“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Lorenzo Washington,” Saban said his statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Zo’s family, friends and teammates. He was an integral part of our 2009 national championship team, a wonderful son, father, friend and a loved teammate.”
Washington, 34, was a member of the Crimson Tide from 2005-09 and helped Alabama win a BCS National Championship as a senior during the 2009 season. After redshirting in 2005, the native of Loganville, Ga., appeared in 46 career games at the college level — first for Mike Shula then Saban — and he registered 69 total tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks.
Washington went undrafted in 2010 but spent three years in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, New York Jets and Detroit Lions as part of offseason/practice squads.
Washington is the second member from Alabama’s 2009 football team to pass away in the last four months. Former Tide walk-on linebacker Rowdy Harrell and his wife, Blakley, died in a car accident in November in the Florida Keys while the couple was on their honeymoon.
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