Al Lucas (American football) facts for kids
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| No. 76 | |||
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| Position: | Defensive tackle | ||
| Personal information | |||
| Born: | September 1, 1978 Macon, Georgia |
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| Died: | April 10, 2005 (aged 26) Los Angeles, California |
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| Career information | |||
| High school: | Macon (GA) Northeast | ||
| College: | Troy State | ||
| Undrafted: | 2000 | ||
| Career history | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||
Albert Lucas (born September 1, 1978 – died April 10, 2005) was an American football player. He played in the National Football League (NFL) and the Arena Football League (AFL). Sadly, he passed away from an injury he got during a game. He was playing for the Los Angeles Avengers at the time.
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Early Life and College Football
Albert Lucas was born in Macon, Georgia. His father, David Lucas, was a state representative. His mother, Elaine Lucas, was a city councilwoman.
High School Achievements
Albert went to Northeast Health Science Magnet High School. He played football there and was very strong. He set a school record by lifting 440 pounds (200 kg) in the bench press. People called him "Big Luke" because of his size and strength. After playing, he also helped coach football at Northeast High.
Playing for Troy State
Albert went on to play college football at Troy State University. He was a fantastic player there. In his final year (1999), he won the Buck Buchanan Award. This award goes to the best defensive player in his college division.
He was also chosen for the All-America team that year. He made 126 tackles and had 15 "quarterback hurries." He also got 4 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. Overall, he played 43 games for Troy State. He finished his college career with 255 tackles. He even scored seven touchdowns as a running back sometimes!
Professional Football Career
After college, Albert Lucas became a professional football player. He played in both the NFL and the AFL.
Time in the NFL
Albert joined the Carolina Panthers as a player who wasn't drafted. He played in 20 games for them in 2000 and 2001. During his time with the Panthers, he made 49.5 tackles. He also helped stop quarterbacks and forced a fumble.
Playing in the AFL
In 2003, Albert decided to play in the Arena Football League. He joined the Tampa Bay Storm and made a big impact right away. He helped the Storm win the ArenaBowl championship that year. He was even named to the AFL's All-Rookie team.
After his great first season, many teams wanted Albert. He signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Avengers in 2003. In 2004, he played in all 16 games for the Avengers. He led his team's linemen with 18.5 tackles. He also had three sacks and recovered three fumbles.
Albert Lucas's Passing
On April 10, 2005, Albert Lucas was playing in a game for the Los Angeles Avengers. They were playing against the New York Dragons.
The Game Incident
During a kickoff return, Albert tackled an opposing player. Replays showed that the player's knee hit Albert's helmet. Albert fell to the ground and did not move. Doctors quickly came to help him on the field. He seemed to have a serious injury to his upper spine.
Hospital and Confirmation
Albert was taken to a nearby hospital. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at 1:28 p.m. Doctors later confirmed that he passed away from a severe injury to his upper spinal cord.
Legacy of Albert Lucas
Albert Lucas is remembered as a talented player and a good person. His teams and family have created ways to honor him.
Honors and Awards
- The Los Angeles Avengers retired his jersey number, 76, in 2006. This means no other player on the team will wear that number.
- The Tampa Bay Storm created the Mariah Lucas Scholarship Fund. This fund helps Albert's daughter and wife.
- Albert's family also started an Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund gives college scholarships to high school athletes.
- The Maxwell Football Club renamed its Arena Football League Player of the Year Award to the Al Lucas Award.
- A Little League baseball field where Albert played was renamed Albert James Lucas "Big Luke" Memorial Field in 2006.
- The AFL also renamed its Hero Award to the Al Lucas Award.
