Anthony Alridge is a Texan, born and raised, and played college football at the University of Houston.
So what team did Alridge sign with after the NFL draft passed without him being selected? The Houston Texans, right?
Wrong.
The Texans called, all right. So did another of Alridge’s favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys. But neither had a history of giving opportunities to undrafted tailbacks like the Broncos did.
“The only other team was maybe Houston or Dallas,” said Alridge. “Other than that, the Denver Broncos were always on top of my list. They were one of the first teams to call. I was like, ‘Man, I’m definitely going there.” If you can play here, you can be on the field. That’s what I’m trying to do. Just make plays.”
Good thing he picked the Broncos. They’ll open their preseason Saturday night vs. the Texans at Reliant Stadium. When they do, Alridge will get a long look, just as all those undrafted free agents did before him.
Mike Bell. Selvin Young. Andre Hall. None of the three was drafted, but each found a home in Denver. Now comes Alridge, who, if the regular season opened today, would figure to be on the Broncos’ roster.
Want an amazing stat? It’s altogether possible that the Broncos will carry three tailbacks – Young, Hall and Alridge — who weren’t drafted. And Young figures to be the starters.
Alridge? He’s just hoping to make the team. And he would also like to make a good impression in front of his fans in Houston.
“I’ve got a lot of friends there,” he said. “I’m hoping I can put on a show and get in the end zone.”
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily sports commentaries on The Jimmy Page midday during the week. And read his columns on Sundays at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
