Police in Houston say that former Winnipeg Blue Bombers player Antonio Armstrong and his wife were killed Friday morning by gunshots in their home.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murders, but his identity has been withheld.

Armstrong, 42, played college football for Texas A&M, was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, and eventually played four games in 1995 for the Miami Dolphins.

He played three seasons for the Blue Bombers and was the team's defensive player of the year in 2000.

In a statement, R.C. Slocum, who coached Armstrong at Texas A&M, said, "Antonio was a special young man. He was an All-American and an outstanding player, but he was an even better person," Slocum said. "He was such a positive influence on his teammates. He always had a great big smile and was a joy to coach."

- With files from ESPN and the Associated Press