Lyle Alzado

Lyle Martin Alzado (April 3, 1949 – May 14, 1992) was a professional American football defensive end of the National Football League famous for his intense and intimidating style of play.

He played 15 seasons, splitting his time among the Denver Broncos, the Cleveland Browns, and finally the Los Angeles Raiders with whom he won a championship in Super Bowl XVIII.

Early life

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to an Italian-Spanish father and an ethnically Jewish mother. His last name was pronounced, Al-Zah-Doe, but became known as Al-Zay-Doe, during his pro football career. When he was 10, the family moved to Cedarhurst, Long Island. His father, whom Alzado later described as "a drinker and street fighter," left the family during Alzado's sophomore year at Lawrence High School. He played high school football and was a Vardon Trophy Candidate (defense) in high school for three years.

College