Ted Hendricks

Born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, this multi-sport athlete excelled at track, basketball, baseball and football at Hialeah High School in Florida.

A three time All America choice at defensive end for the University of Miami Hurricanes, Ted Hendricks is considered the prototype linebacker of the NFL.

Selected in the second round of the 1969 draft by head coach Don Shula and the Baltimore Colts, he was starting at right linebacker by mid season. In 1971 he played a key role in Super Bowl V for the victorious Colts.

One All-Pro year in Green Bay and his career changed. In 1975, Al Davis brought Hendricks to the Raiders. "Ted was a great natural athlete, an intense competitor. Once a game started, he went like gangbusters. Great players make great plays and I can't think of any defensive player who made more big plays for us than Ted Hendricks," says coach John Madden. Many of those big plays changed the course of games and helped the Raiders to three Super Bowl victories.

Ted was noted as being a strong, fast and devastating tackler. His 6'7" frame and wide ranging arms led his teammates at the University of Miami to add the moniker "the Mad Stork" to his identity. He dominated offensive backfields at will with the skill, determination and courage of a warrior.

During his long and distinguished NFL career Ted was known for his all out style of defensive play; a style that was grounded in powerful athletic ability as well as an intellectual understanding of the game. He was not only one of the best, he was awesomely durable: he played in 215 straight games until his retirement in 1983. His last start was in his last game - Super Bowl XVIII. A fitting end to an outstanding career.

Peers and coaches alike have recognized his expertise and love of the game; and in recognition of the dominance he maintained on the field, Ted Hendricks was enshrined into the National Football League Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on August 4, 1990.