Ex-Blue Bomber linebacker Antonio Armstrong, wife killed at their Texas home

Armstrong started his CFL career in 1998 with the B.C. Lions where he played two seasons before being traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2000.

The six foot one, 235 pounder was an East Division all-star in 2000 while also earning Winnipeg’s defensive player of the year honours.

A fractured left ankle on Oct. 15, 2000 sidelined Armstrong for a period of time. He attempted to return to the NFL, where he played for the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams, before re-signing with the Blue Bombers in 2001.

Armstrong started in the 89th Grey Cup that fall — a game which Winnipeg lost to the Calgary Stampeders. He retired in 2002.

CFL commissioner Jeffrey Orridge reacted to Armstrong’s death with a tweet on Saturday.

“Unthinkable tragedy has claimed life of former Bomber & Lion Antonio Armstrong & his wife Dawn. Our thoughts & prayers to all who loved them,” he said.

The Blue Bombers issued a tweet on Friday indicating that their thoughts and prayers were with the Armstrong family.

Texas A&M released a statement Friday saying Antonio Armstrong was a letterman who played for the Aggies from 1991 to 1994 and described him as a cornerstone of the A&M “Wrecking Crew” defence. He was named first-team Associated Press All-America linebacker in 1994 and was drafted in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.

An ankle fracture in training camp led to his release that October. He signed with the Dolphins and played in four games with Miami that season, logging four solo tackles. Armstrong signed with the Rams the following year but was released after their training camp.

— With files from The Associated Press

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Ex-Blue Bomber linebacker Antonio Armstrong, wife killed at their Texas home

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