Oakland Raiders LB Ted Hendricks was fantastic at enjoyment and game titles

Linebacker Ted Hendricks was another participant who experienced a track record that preceded his arrival to the Oakland Raiders in 1975, and he suit proper in with the proven players for the Silver and Black.

And we’re not only talking about ability, as the 6-7, 220-pound Hendricks was a perennial All-Professional and potential Corridor of Famer who experienced 61 sacks, 26 interceptions, 25 blocked kicks, and 12 fumble recoveries in his profession, but in addition that all of that he was a bit off the wall.

What would you be expecting from a male whose nicknames have been “The Mad Stork” and “Kick ’Em in the Head, Ted?”

“Ted Hendricks was a little bit of a goofball,” Hall of Fame quarterback Kenny “Snake” Stabler stated a couple yrs ago. “But all that intended was that he in shape in with all the relaxation of guys on our workforce who have been like that.”

Hendricks was capable of indicating or doing a little something humorous at any time, even in the course of online games, but he saved his most effective antics with the Raiders for coaching camp at the El Rancho Tropicana Lodge in Santa Rosa, Calif.

One particular working day after the morning observe for the duration of two-a-days, Hendricks introduced a Cinzano umbrella on to the follow subject and sat down so he could be waited on by a teammate, who experienced a towel draped above his arm.

“I borrowed (the umbrella) from one of the Italian eating places in Santa Rosa,” mentioned Hendricks, who was addressed to a article-apply refreshment. “I set it out there correct in the center of the discipline, with a desk and two chairs.”

But that pales in comparison to Hendricks’ finest stunt, which took location a single day when the Raiders were being training on the soccer field at nearby Sonoma State College for a adjust of pace.

The Raiders were being stretching and warming up on the industry when upcoming Hall of Fame Mentor John Madden appeared all over and recognized that just one of his most effective players was nowhere to be found.

“Where’s Hendricks?” Madden he asked.

His query was answered a couple of seconds afterwards when Hendricks arrived roaring onto the field in entire uniform using a huge horse and putting on a black German military helmet embellished with the Raider logo on each individual side.

Hendricks galloped the horse on to the subject, dismounted at the 50-lawn-line, and introduced that…