[1] Although a running back at university, it was as a linebacker and kick returner that he established himself in the Argonauts' line-up under head coach Bob Shaw.
Subsequent coaches Leo Cahill and John Rauch continued to use Aldridge as a linebacker, and the Argonauts' defensive unit of which he was a member in these years became renowned for its effectiveness and ferocity.
His team-mate Peter Martin later described him as "a great athlete who was always very fit", who "trained a lot", devoted time to watching opponents on film, and "was a true student of the game".
[1] The 1969 Argonauts' squad, disgruntled about being required to play four pre-season exhibition games without pay, held a meeting at Dick Aldridge's home, where they took advice from Alan Eagleson and decided to stage a walk-out.
He joined the Tiger-Cats for the 1974 season, playing in 10 games and making one interception,[1] and helping the team to finish ahead of the Argonauts in the standings.
After retiring from the CFL at the end of the 1974 season, Dick Aldridge was appointed head football coach at York University.