COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Former Texas A&M football lettermen and 1994 first-team Associated Press All-American Antonio Armstrong and wife, Dawn, passed away Friday in Houston.
Armstrong, a linebacker from Houston Kashmere High School, lettered for the Aggies from 1991-94 and was a two-time All-Southwest Conference selection. He earned All-America honors and was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award as senior after leading the SWC in quarterback sacks and tackles for loss.
Former Texas A&M head football coach R.C. Slocum has released a statement on the shooting of Armstrong.
Armstrong, who played for A&M during Slocum's tenure, was found shot in his Houston home early Friday morning. He was rushed to hospital where he was in critical condition at last check.
In a statement Slocum said, "Antonio was a special young man. He was an All-American and an outstanding player, but he was an even better person. He was such a positive influence on his teammates. He always had a great big smile and was a joy to coach.”
Current head coach Kevin Sumlin also released a statement saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Antonio Armstrong and his family, his old teammates and the entire Aggie family. Our strength coach Larry Jackson was a teammate of Antonio’s and thought the world of him. This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts are broken.”
Armstrong's wife was also shot and died at the scene. The couple's 16-year-old son has been charged with shooting.