Al Atkinson

Allen Edward Atkinson is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the American Football League and the National Football League. He played high school ball at Monsignor Bonner High School. He played college football for the Villanova Wildcats as a lineman. He played professionally in the AFL for the New York Jets from 1965 through 1969; then for the NFL Jets 1970 through 1974 [NFL season|1974]. He was a member of the Jets' 1968 World Championship team, and an AFL All-Star in 1968.

Biography

Allen Edward Atkinson was born on July 28, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Allen and Mary Atkinson. He was one of seven children, having two brothers and four sisters. His father worked as a trolley operator for SEPTA. His brother, Bill Atkinson, became the first quadripalegic ordained to the Catholic priesthood in 1974, following a sledding accident a decade earlier. In 2017, Bill was named a Servant of God, the first step towards canonization.