Former Falcon DT Dronett passes away

Former Texas All-American defensive end Shane Dronett was found dead at his home in Atlanta early Wednesday.Dronett had played 11 seasons in the NFL and his last six with the Atlanta Falcons.

Atlanta police say the investigation into the cause of death is still ongoing, but did add that a 911 call came into them about a possible suicide at his home. Dronett, had a benign tumor removed from his brain just a year ago.

"The entire Atlanta Falcons family is saddened by the news of Shane Dronetts passing,Our deepest condolences are with his family during this difficult time." said team owner Arthur Blank.

Dronett, who recently turned 38 grew up in Bridge City, Texas ,about 100 miles east of Houston. He became a star at Texas and he still holds the record for most blocked kicks in a season.He had played at Bridge City High School and later went to the University of Texas where he became an All-American on defense. In 1992, he was a second round draft pick of the Denver Broncos and finished his career with the Falcons.

Vidor football coach/athletic director and Bridge City High alumni Jeff Mathews said this afternoon he learned from a friend about Dronett's death.

Mathews said Dronett was a family friend going back to when his brother, Jason, played high school football with Dronett at Bridge City.

"I was just shocked,You know he was something special. He was just so gifted in everything he did." Mathews said.

Dronett was survived by his wife and their two children.