Former Crimson Tide Defensive End Lorenzo Washington Dead At 34

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former University of Alabama defensive end Lorenzo Washington, who played a crucial role in Crimson Tide's 2009 BCS national title run, died Sunday at the age of 34.

Click here to subscribe to our daily email newsletters and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices for free. You can also support local journalism by donating as little as $5 a month to become a supporting member or by downloading our free Patch mobile app.

According to media reports, the cause of the Loganville, Georgia-native's death has not been released at this time.

“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Lorenzo Washington," Alabama football coach Nick Saban said in a statement on Monday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Zo’s family, friends and teammates,” a message from the team’s Twitter account read. “He was an integral part of our 2009 National Championship team. A wonderful son, father, friend and a loved teammate.”

Washington went undrafted in 2010, but signed with the Dallas Cowboys and would go on to have stints with the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. His final NFL stop was a job with the practice squad Detroit Lions in 2012.

Follow Patch here for updates or on Facebook and Twitter.