By Scary Barry
Rodriguez November 15,
2013
When Todd Christensen started with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders in 1979 , " My Sharona " by the Knack was # 1 on the billboard music chart , hip people were wearing flared jeans , platform shoes and the brothers were sporting Afros . In Washington D.C. Jimmy Carter was the President , Israel and Egypt signed a Peace treaty , disco music was in full bloom and tight ends in the NFL existed to block or catch a pass as a last resort.
When Todd Christensen started with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders in 1979 , " My Sharona " by the Knack was # 1 on the billboard music chart , hip people were wearing flared jeans , platform shoes and the brothers were sporting Afros . In Washington D.C. Jimmy Carter was the President , Israel and Egypt signed a Peace treaty , disco music was in full bloom and tight ends in the NFL existed to block or catch a pass as a last resort.
The emergence of Kellen Winslow, Ozzie Newsome and Todd Christensen forever changed the role of the tight end in professional football. At 6' 3 , 230 pounds , Christensen became a play maker for the Raiders , setting the franchise record for receptions with 92 in 1983 and in 1986 with 96 receptions. He played on two Super Bowl winning Raider teams. His personality made him more than just a star athlete.
Born on August 3, 1956 in Bellefonte , Pa , he grew up in Eugene , Oregon. Todd read his own poetry , was a prolific reader and used big words. He didn't fit the jock stereotype and evolved along with the popular culture of his time. He left football and went into television broadcasting working for NBC sports , Espn and the CBS Sports Network. That was just part of his career resume. He was prepared to talk about any topic , hence the tag " Renaissance Man ". Being a devout Mormon his varied interests didn't include drug use or drinking. Wednesday he died from complications during liver transplant surgery. At only 57 years of age at his passing , Todd Christensen left a lasting legacy as a person and as one of the greatest Raider players of all time. My humble condolences to his family and loved ones.
Todd Christensen August 3, 1956 - November 13, 2013 RIP in Raider heaven !
BarryRodriguez (c) 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Posting Layout arranged by Magic Merlin Paul Malolot.
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