04/19/24
November 14, 2013
Raider, 'Renaissance Man' Todd Christensen dead at 57: Christensen, 57, a five-time Pro Bowl tight end with the Oakland/Los Angeles/during his NFL career (1978-1988), died Wednesday at a hospital near his home in Alpine, Utah, from complications during liver transplant surgery.
This one got to me as I loved those Raider teams as a kid and he was one of the reasons why. Decent broadcaster too. I had no idea he was a Mormon; up until then I was wondering if the liver transplant was the result of steroid abuse given the players he was around with the Raiders. Still wondering a bit.
posted by yerfatma at 10:39 AM on November 14, 2013
As good as he was on the field, I'm disappointed that his work as one half of the best American Gladiators broadcast team was not mentioned in his obit. No one broke down a pugil stick battle better than Todd.
posted by rcade at 10:43 AM on November 14, 2013
I'm disappointed that his work as one half of the best American Gladiators broadcast team was not mentioned in his obit. No one broke down a pugil stick battle better than Todd.
Thank you for that!
I knew I recognized his name and picture from SOMEWHERE outside of football, but I couldn't remember where it was.
posted by grum@work at 11:58 AM on November 14, 2013
Heard John Madden on the radio this morning talking about Christensen, I hadn't realized he was about the first H-back (in the modern era?). TC was a running back in college and left Dallas and the Giants quickly when both tried to convert him to tight end but Tom Flores realized he had a better way to utilize such a big man with speed and great hands. Also helped that the Raiders had two first class tight ends on the squad already.
RIP
posted by billsaysthis at 11:58 AM on November 14, 2013
.
posted by tommybiden at 12:23 PM on November 14, 2013
R.I.P. No. 46. Thanks for some great football.