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Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2009 > January > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFormer Falcon teammates struggle to deal with Dronett’s death
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ten years later, some of the names come to mind easily. Chris Chandler and Jamal Anderson, Chuck Smith and Travis Hall, Jessie Tuggle and Ray Buchanan.
We remember Morten Andersen’s kick. We remember Terence Mathis’ resolve. We remember Dan Reeves overcoming heart bypass surgery to coach an NFL punchline to a 14-2 record and a Super Bowl berth.
How long would it take before we remember Shane Dronett?
“He was the foundation of our line,” Smith said. “Falcons fans will never know how important he was. People should understand the significance of Shane Dronett.”
Today, he is a topic, but for all the wrong reasons. Shane Dronett’s life ended Wednesday morning, suddenly and tragically.
Two months after reuniting with former teammates on the 10th anniversary of the Falcons’ Super Bowl team, Dronett was found dead at his home in Duluth. Gwinnett County police responded to a 911 call, during which a female caller said she believed her husband had committed suicide. That was confirmed Thursday, but all other details have been withheld out of consideration for the family.
Shane Dronett is dead at 38. He recently had surgery for a brain tumor. We may never know all that followed that.
Death can be a difficult thing to make sense of. Endings like this make it worse. Former teammates are still struggling to get their arms and minds around this.
Tuggle knew about the brain tumor. But he saw Dronett in November at the reunion and, “He was in a great mood. He acted normal. I had no earthly idea anything was wrong. But sometimes people are hurting on the inside and you never know.”
Smith said he is “sad and shocked. Tears came to my eyes when I heard.”
Lester Archambeau said, “I couldn’t make it to the reunion. But I saw him a few months ago at the gym. He was upbeat.”
Travis Hall might have been the closest to Dronett of his former teammates. He returned a phone call Thursday out of courtesy but cut it short.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “It’s really kind of hard to talk about this right now.”
Football is not for soft men. Dronett defined toughness. He grew up in small-town Texas: born in Orange and raised in Bridge City (population 8,600), just off the northern coast of the state. He played football and grew into an All-American at Texas. He boxed and grew into a Golden Gloves champ.
“A Texas backyard brawler,” Smith said. “Shane was a great dude. But he was not a guy to be messed with.”
As Alex Bernstein discovered. A free agent offensive lineman, Bernstein got into a scuffle with Dronett during a training camp drill in 2000.
“Wasn’t much of a fight,” Reeves said. “It was one of those one-punch deals.”
Bernstein left the field with a dented jaw and a chipped tooth. Dronett went on to the next play.
The 1998 season was a special one for the Falcons. The defensive line was a big reason why. While the team went 14-2, the defense ranked fourth in points allowed, eighth in total yardage and second against the run.
The front four — Dronett, Smith, Hall and Archambeau — shared in 30 of the team’s 38 sacks and forced 12 fumbles (four by Dronett). They formed a nickname: “The Bomb Squad.”
“The other guys were kind of conservative,” Smith said. “But when we came up with the ‘Bomb Squad,’ Shane said, ‘I’m Nitro!’ “
It didn’t necessarily fit his personality (training camp, notwithstanding). Smith remembers Dronett always giving hugs. Archambeau remembers him as a prankster who would crank call teammates in hotels.
“He was the perfect teammate, not just as a player but as a person,” Archambeau said. “You don’t get to pick the guys you play with. But he was a flat-out keeper.”
Reeves drafted Dronett with Denver. He later signed him in Atlanta. A year later, they went to the Super Bowl. Despite the loss to the Broncos, 1998 remains the high-water mark for the franchise. It started up front.
“The defensive line were real leaders for us that year,” Reeves said. “We had a bunch of veterans who had been around a while and suffered and came together. It was a close group.”
A special team in a special season. But today we remember only Dronett.
Permalink | Comments (44) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL
Comments
By dave
January 22, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this
Rest in peace, Shane Dronett. My condolences to the family and the greater Falcons community.
dave
By Old Dawg
January 22, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this
Masterful piece, Jeff. Thanks for the generosity of spirit at such sad time for Shane’s family, friends, teammates and fans.
By Adolph
January 22, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this
Be at peace Shane. Our condolences to the Dronett family. Your friends in Denver, Adolph & Paula Chavez
By Justin
January 22, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
I knew who he was when I heard about it and even though he is not a known figure anymore he will be missed b/c the Falcon Organization is a family and they just lost a family member and he will be missed. god bless the Dronett family.
By Brian Eskew
January 22, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this
I met Shane when I conducted the inspection for him to open his art store on Medlock Bridge Rd. He was a very good man. He had a heart of gold and loved his Family first and his Falcon family next. In my heart he will truly be missed. He was never like alot of the pro athletes today that let their success go to their heads. He did not forget what got him to level of progress that he made it to and he was an awsome guy. My prayers are with his family.
By Texas Golden Triangle
January 22, 2009 10:25 PM | Link to this
First of all, Noddy Dred, YOU ARE AN A**HOLE! Shove that party where the sun doesn’t shine!
My father is from Port Arthur, Texas (most of you won’t know where that is), but as a kid who grew up as a Texas Longhorn fan Shane Dronett was a guy to be a FAN of. He was an absolute stud but more than that he was a guy, who even as a college kid, would take time to sign autographs for all the little Longhorn fans. Unfortunately, even though I have lived here since 2000, I had no idea he and his family lived here. If I did I would’ve tried to see him to tell him how much I thought of him while he played for the Longhorns. Shane was a great person to look up to for young Texas football fans in the early ‘90’s. Shane you will be missed by all of the Longhorn family. Godspeed Shane & Hook ‘em Horns!!
By Nancy Geater Harstvedt
January 22, 2009 10:32 PM | Link to this
Chris and Shane Dronett were friends of ours in Denver in 1992. My ex-husband and Shane were drafted as rookies. Chris and I were pregnant at the same time and our oldest children are 16 now. Chris and Shane were our first friends in a brand new world of NFL football. I have such fond memories of the time I spent together with both of them. My heart aches for Chris and the two girls. I want her to know how much I cherish the memories from that time in my life. I am so sorry for your loss….Nancy
By mooman59
January 22, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this
Bless the kids. I just hope that that his wife is strong enough to withstand the situation she has been put in. Life is hard, raising kids is the next level, best of luck and hang tuff Mrs. Dronett. There is no Super Bowl or offensive tackle that is going to be as hard as the raising the children by herself.
By Cliff Heard
January 22, 2009 10:49 PM | Link to this
I went to elementary school with Shane and grow up two streets over from him. RIP Shane and God Bless your family!!!
By Mark W.
January 22, 2009 11:10 PM | Link to this
I was fotunate to attend BCHS with Shane. I hope everyone remembers how full of life he was. I respected him because whatever he said he would do, he did and in a big way! My prayers are with his wife, daughters, and our friends in Bridge City.
By Lisa Torres
January 22, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to the Dronett family. Shane will always be a Bridge City hero. He is the one who made it to the NFL! You are in our prayers. God Bless.
By Ed Smith
January 23, 2009 12:25 AM | Link to this
As a teammate of Shane’s for two years with the Falcons I can only say that he was one of the nicest guys I had met. I would like to send my condolences to his family and hope he is at peace. RIP
By D-Man
January 23, 2009 7:56 AM | Link to this
Father, it is my prayer that Shane is with you today and that you cover his family with grace. Please be with them through the rest of their days providing comfort and guidance…in Jesus name, AMEN.
By Becky
January 23, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
May God’s loving arms wrap around this family & take care of them..
By 1eyedJack
January 23, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this
Godspeed.
By Zoomie
January 23, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this
Didn’t know Shane personally, but remember him from the Superbowl team of ‘98. He was a huge part of providing the best year ever for us Atlanta football fans. Go with God, Shane. I hope in some way we can return to your family some of the goodwill and sacrifice you gave us.
By Michael
January 23, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
Rest in peace, Shane.
By Brian Hunt
January 23, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this
My condolences to the Dronett family. RIP
By lemming
January 23, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
I can’t help but wonder if his brain tumor is related to steroid and/or HGH use. Lyle Alzado came clean before he died. I think a lot of former NFL players should be nervous.
By Selinda Mahan
January 23, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
When I heard about Shane’s death, I was so shocked and sad. Having met Shane and his wife when he owned the art gallery and my husband and I watching him play with the Falcons, he was absolutely the best, a very nice and classy man. My deepest condolences to his family at this very difficult time. God bless you all and R.I.P., Shane. You will be very missed and loved by us all.
By Rocket20
January 23, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
My father told me for years that every man has his limit. Shane found his. I will be praying for the family left behind.
By David M.
January 23, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
Thanks for this piece, Jeff. Another bullet point in his athletic record: Shane was an outstanding high school basketball player. He had a soft touch from 15 feet, a solid post game and led BCHS to a tie for second place in district in his senior year.
My sympathies to his family; may they find sources of strength and comfort.
By David M.
January 23, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
Thanks for this piece, Jeff. Another bullet point in his athletic record: Shane was an outstanding high school basketball player. He had a soft touch from 15 feet, a solid post game and led BCHS to a tie for second place in district in his senior year.
My sympathies to his family; may they find sources of strength and comfort.
By row3
January 23, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
Shane, you will always live in the hearts of falcons fans, you were part of something special.
RIP
By reebok
January 23, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
Condolences to the family. We are sorry for your loss.
By Stacey
January 23, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this
My thoughts and prayers go out to Chris and their girls during this difficult time. God bless you all.
By Carroll
January 23, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this
lemming: those were my thoughts exactly. I have also wondered the same thing about other sports greats like Ironhead Heyward, and even Lance Armstrong.
By SeminoleWarrior
January 23, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this
My continuing prayers are with the Dronnett family at this tough time. I also ask that we all, as the greater Falcon family, at least on this day, put aside all the rumors of circumstances that may or may not have been factors in this tragedy. On this day, let us all simply send love, best wishes, and comfort to the family. RIP… Dirty Bird #75.
By Joey Porter
January 23, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this
Football killed this dude. I know it. All that violence finally killed this man.
Football should be outlawed. It is criminal. Simply criminal.
barbaric. barbaric.
By Tony Heringer
January 23, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
Thanks for the article. I grew up in Orange and played football at BCHS about 9 years before Shane though we had some mutual friends.
I kept up with him in the NFL. It was cool to see a guy from Bridge City play in the Super Bowl. I hurt for his family and his team mates and will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.
By Blind158
January 23, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this
Joey Porter? You are an ignorant a*
By It's that boy.
January 23, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
May God be with the family.
By Melissa Thomas
January 23, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this
Shane was one of my clients and I am still in shock over this tragic event. I always looked forward to his appointments. He always had some silly joke to tell me and always put a smile on my face. Chris my heart is with you and the girls. I love all of you and will never forget Shane
By Tim
January 23, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this
Shane Dronett was such a great part of the team. I didn’t know him personally but you always heard the great stories about him. He will truly be missed.
By charles.b
January 23, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this
shane was great player for texas he was one of my flavor player i like has toughest he play game from to finsh may god look over him charles b ga.
By Elizabeth
January 23, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this
What a tragic, tragic story written so well, Jeff. At this point, speculation accomplishes nothing. Shane, obvious to most people now, must have been battling some terrible demons to have made the choice he did. I pray that he’s finally at peace.
Now, however, the focus must be on the ones he left behind; his wife Chris and his daughters. Losing a loved one in this manner is just absolutely devastating. There’s nothing like it in the world. The questions, the “should haves”, the hurt, the “if only I had knowns” are just so overwhelmingly painful. Please, everyone, lift them up in prayer; keep them in your thoughts ~ whatever you choose to believe in.
My personal prayer is that my Lord and Saviour will hold and comfort Chris and the girls as they hurt, they mourn, and then learn to live without the daily presence of the husband and father they love. I pray that they’re surrounded by family and friends who find the right things to say and who have the wisdom to know when not to say anything at all. Lord, please walk beside them, holding their hands; and carry them when the pain is too great and they can’t walk any further. Let them feel your presence and let them know they can turn to you with their anger, their hurt, their grief and that you will always love them. In your Holy Name I pray… Amen.
By The Lord Jesus Christ
January 23, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this
Dear Shane,
Why did you not accept me into your heart? Unfortunately, you chose to take your own life. You will now burn in Hell with the Devil. I will watch over your family if they accept me into their hearts. I hope everyone else reading this post will repent and do the same.
J.C.
By Jesus is a Fraud
January 23, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this
Hey Jesus!
If you are so high and mighty why did you not take the time to save everyone who does not believe in you and “God Daddy”?
You are a pathetic martyr.
R.I.P. Mr. Shane Dronnett. No doubt you was a HELL of a Dirty Bird!
By NorCalFalconFan
January 24, 2009 12:37 AM | Link to this
My clearest memory of the player Shane Dronett was back in 98 was in San Francisco. It was Shane Dronett that blew apart the O-line of the 49rs so Chuck Smith could just reach out and take the ball away from Steve Young and score a TD. I was at that game and will never forget. Godspeed Shane, RIP. May God bless the Dronett family.
As for lemming,jesus, and joey porter, you children are simply pathetic. I pray you crap your britches when you can least afford to.
By Larry
January 24, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this
Mr. Dronnett will never experience another sad, stressful, fearful, or depressing moment, but those he left behind will forever be burdened, plagued, and handcuffed to the thought of what did they do, not do, or could have done differently to keep their Daddy or Husband alive?
Suicide is a most selfish and cowardly act! I would know, because I’ve had to comfort my young nephew for years that not only had his worthless father disappear when he was a toddler, but now must forever wonder what he could have done differently to keep my sister from putting a bullet in her brain “to get away from it all.”
God bless you Mrs. Dronnett, and may God bless those that truly deserve our sympathy and compassion—your children!
By lemming
January 24, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
NorCalFalconFan, shouldn’t you be getting ready to march in a gay pride festival? So you saw a football play. BFD.
I pose a simple question. How many 38 year old’s get cancerous brain tumors? Not too many in my experience. I think it’s fair to wonder if steroids and/or HGH are involved.
Don’t think it’s a fair question? Take it up with the AJC that provided a public forum.
If you think steroids/hgh are out of the realm of possibility, you are extremely naive.
By ** The Grim Reaper**
January 25, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this
Dudes and Dudettes!
Death here with a few pointers to you self righteous martyrs and steroid conspiracy theorists.
First of all, the more HGH pumped athletes we have the better. More young souls for me to reap before they reach middle age. Those shrinking gonads, ‘roid rages, heart attacks and brain tumors just keep knocking them dead. TOTALLY FREAKING AWESOME!
Second point, ease off of those folks who decide to do the nasty of self assisted death. Dudes these poor souls help out yearly quota statistics for me DRAMATICALLY!
And finally for some really righteous stuff! The Declaration of Independence proclaimed, for the first time in the history of nations, that each person exists as an end in himself. This basic truth—which finds political expression in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—means, in practical terms, that you need no one’s permission to live, and that no one may forcibly obstruct your efforts to achieve your own personal well being. What if a dread disease, or some other calamity, drains all joy from life, leaving only misery and suffering? The right to life includes and implies the right to commit suicide. For these reasons, each individual has the right to decide the hour of his death and to implement that solemn decision as best he can. The choice is his because the life is his.
Totally word! Like…Enough said.
Post Partum Yours, The Grim Reaper a.k.a DEATH
By Jim Duncan
January 25, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this
I’ll always remember the tv shot of Shane’s waving his arms back and forth after Gary Anderson missed the field goal…Shane was shaking his head, no, no, and waving his arms like the referee. That video of him has stuck with me all these years. I never knew much about him, but that shot of him showed he was into the game big time and that he wanted to win that game…and did. Every time I look at that video, that one particular shot sequence of Dronett right after the missed field goal never loses it’s impact…he was the dude!
By jerry thompson
January 30, 2009 3:12 AM | Link to this
Good article, very respectful and nice anecdotes. RIP.