Elijah Alfred Alexander III (Eli), age 39 of Frisco, Texas passed away on March 24th, 2010 in Dallas, Texas surrounded by his family and friends. He was born August 2, 1970 in Fort Worth, Texas to Camala Ridley and raised in conjunction with his stepfather Herman Ridley. Elijah graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School for Science & Engineering Professions where he was not only a standout football player, but also an excellent student. He excelled in all subjects although he particularly loved mathematics. Upon graduating, he was awarded a full scholarship to play collegiate football at Kansas State University (KSU). While attending KSU, Eli was inducted into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Delta Delta Chapter. In 1992, Elijah was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 10th round of the NFL draft. Against all odds, he fought to earn his spot on the roster and would ultimately play 9 NFL seasons as a starting linebacker for the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, and Oakland Raiders. Elijah met his wife Kimberly while she was a student at the University of Florida. Eli and Kim were wed on May 27th, 1995 in Gainesville, Florida. Shortly after, they began their family, giving birth to two wonderful boys, Elijah Alexander IV (14) and Evan Alexander (12). Elijah was a faithful man of God, a devoted husband of 15 years and a loving father who was actively involved in every aspect of his sons’ lives. In 2003 he began a five year run as the head coach and defensive coordinator of the ‘mighty’ Wildcats Frisco Football League (named after his high school and college alma maters). As a coach, he developed a special relationship with all of his players, coaches, parents, and had a tremendous impact on the Frisco community. In October 2005, Eli was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer. In 2006 he founded Tackle Myeloma Foundation (now named “Tackle Cancer Foundation”) a non-profit organization which provides financial support for families who have children diagnosed with all forms of pediatric cancer and adults diagnosed with multiple myeloma. His passion for fighting this disease and helping children with cancer became his daily mission and God given purpose in life. He traveled the country as a patient advocate speaking on behalf of cancer patients and providing inspiration to those living with cancer. He is survived by his mother Camala Ridley of Fort Worth, Texas; wife, Kimberly Alexander of Gainesville, Florida; sons Elijah Alexander IV and Evan Alexander of Frisco, Texas; sister Karn Alexander of Arlington, Texas; brother Shannon Ridley (Chanda) of Frisco, Texas; niece/nephew Tiana Baxter and Jordan Johnson of Arlington, Texas; uncle Bobby Taylor (Dorothy) of Dallas, Texas; aunt Maebelle Stevenson of Denison, Texas; numerous relatives, and a wealth of friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Herman Ridley. Elijah has touched the lives of countless individuals and his legacy will span generation upon generation. The family will receive friends during a Visitation to be held on Monday, March 29, 2010 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Frisco, Texas beginning at 6:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano with Pastor Scott Turner and Pastor Tony McCoy officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgeview West Memorial Park in Frisco, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Tackle Cancer Foundation, 17311 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 220, Dallas, Texas 75248