We open this week with sad news.
On Sunday, the University of Alabama suffered a tragic loss. Lorenzo Washington, an alumnus and 2009 BCS National Champion, was found dead in his car at 34 years old. The cause for his death has not been made known, but he was an impactful player on Nick Saban’s first national title team with the Crimson Tide. A native of Loganville, Ga., Washington arrived in Alabama’s 2005 signing class as a talented defensive tackle.
He played two years under Mike Shula and when Saban came, he transitioned from nose tackle to defensive end. Washington recorded 36 tackles — including 4.5 for loss and three sacks in 2007.
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Despite losing to Florida (SEC Championship) and Utah in 2008, he returned in 2009 and was a leader on defense.
He was in the midst of hungry players, but Washington held his own. He finished with 21 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, eight quarterback hurries, one pass breakup, and one blocked kick. Washington was one of few Shula recruits that bought into Saban’s mindset and wanted to be coached by him. He was not selected in the 2010 NFL Draft; however, he did make the practice squad for the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions. A few of his former teammates, including Greg McElroy, took to Twitter to express condolences to his family.
RIP ‘Zo.
Terrible news. He was a great teammate and friend. 😔 https://t.co/cGDVHS08Yh
— Greg McElroy (@GregMcElroy) February 15, 2021
“Big Zo” will be missed by the Alabama nation.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith
