Al Lucas (September 1, 1978 – April 10, 2005) was a football player in the NFL and Arena Football League before being killed in a game for the Los Angeles Avengers on April 10, 2005.

Contents

1 Early Life and College Career 2 Professional Football Career 3 Statements on Lucas' Death 4 Links

Early Life and College Career

Lucas was born in Macon, Georgia, where he attended and played football for Northeast High School. While there, he set the school record with a 440-pound bench press. Nicknamed "Big Luke", he went on to earn a degree in criminal justice from Troy State University. Lucas also served as an assistant football coach at Northeast High. He was married to De-Shonda Lucas with one daughter, Mariah.

At Troy State, Lucas was a standout player. In his senior year (1999), he won the Buck Buchanan Award as the most outstanding defensive player in NCAA Division I-AA. He was also honored with unanimous All-America and All-Southland Football League first team selections that year, in which he compiled 126 tackles (20 for losses), 15 "quarterback hurries," four sacks and two forced fumbles.

Lucas played a total of 43 games for the Trojans, and finished his college career with 255 tackles (36 for losses), 25 quarterback hurries and 11.5 sacks. In addition, he saw some limited action at running back in his junior and senior seasons, scoring seven touchdowns.

Professional Football Career

Lucas played in 20 games for the Carolina Panthers over the course of the 2000 and 2001 NFL seasons. He totaled 49.5 tackles, three "quarterback hurries," two batted down passes, a forced fumble and a sack. He was selected by the Frankfurt Galaxy with the fourth overall pick in the 2003 NFL Europe free agent draft, but chose instead to begin his AFL career with the Tampa Bay Storm.

In his rookie season with Tampa Bay, Lucas was an immediate impact on his new team. He had 19.5 tackles, three for losses, 1.5 sacks, a blocked kick and a safety, and was a major factor in the Storm's ArenaBowl victory over the Arizona Rattlers. After that season, Lucas was one of the most sought-after free agents in the League, and signed a three-year contract with Los Angeles on October 27, 2003.

In the 2004 season, Lucas played in all 16 games for the Avengers and led the team with 18.5 tackles. He also had three quarterback sacks, three fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown), two batted down passes, a forced fumble and a safety.

On April 10, 2005, Lucas tackled Corey Johnson during a kickoff return with 10 minutes, 17 seconds, to go in the first quarter. He appeared to suffer a spinal cord injury. He was rushed to nearby California Hospital , where he died at 1:28pm PDT.

Statements on Lucas' Death

Casey Wasserman, Owner and Chief Executive Officer – Los Angeles Avengers:

“It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Al Lucas. At this time, the thoughts and prayers of the entire Avenger organization are with his wife and family.”

League Commissioner David Baker:

“Al Lucas played Arena Football with passion and integrity. The entire AFL family extends its deepest sympathies to Al’s wife and family, as well as his friends and teammates.”

Dr. Lugo Podesta, Team Physician:

“During the game today, Al Lucas suffered a presumed spinal cord injury and was brought to California Hospital where all attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at 1:28 p.m. (PT) today.”

Links

• Arena Football League Story and Bio
• FOXSports.com Report
• nfl.com Player Page