Alden Roche

Alden Stephen Rochè Jr. ( ; April 9, 1945 – May 29, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a defensive end for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks from 1970 to 1978, having earlier played college football at Southern University.

Early life Roche was born in New Orleans on April 9, 1945. He attended Xavier University Preparatory School in his hometown. He then studied at Southern University, where he played college football for the Southern Jaguars. Roche was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round (37th overall selection) of the 1970 NFL draft. He played in all 14 games during his rookie season,

The Packers appointed Dan Devine as head coach six games into the 1971 season. He chose Roche as the starting right defensive end, replacing the incumbent Lionel Aldridge, a holdover from the Packers' glory days under Vince Lombardi. Roche was noted for his versatility – filling in for Mike McCoy at left defensive tackle and Clarence Williams at left defensive end – and won the Packers most valuable player award for defense that year. He went on to hold the starting role for the next five seasons, playing in all but one game during his tenure with the franchise. Roche formed a noted defensive partnership with Williams.

Roche joined the Seattle Seahawks in 1977. He spent his last two years in the NFL with the franchise before retiring after the 1978 season.

Roche died on May 29, 2022, in Marrero, Louisiana, at the age of 77.