Ted Hendricks

A three-time All-America selection as a linebacker and defensive end at the University of Miami, Ted Hendricks began his 15-season pro football career as the second-round pick of the Baltimore Colts in the 1969 AFL-NFL Draft.

Surprisingly, after five seasons, the Colts traded Hendricks to the Green Bay Packers. The bigger surprise came, however, when the Packers allowed Hendricks to play out his option and sign with the Oakland Raiders after one season -- possibly his finest. That year, he intercepted five passes, blocked seven kicks and scored a safety. He went on to play nine seasons with the Raiders before retiring after the 1983 season.

The 6-7, 220-pound Hendricks was deceivingly effective. Tall and comparatively thin, he was strong, fast and a devastating tackler who specialized in blocking punts, field goals and extra-point attempts. He was the kind of player who could disrupt an offense completely.

In his career, Hendricks intercepted 26 passes, which he returned for 332 yards and a touchdown. He also recovered 16 opponent fumbles and scored an NFL record-tying four safeties. Hendricks scored touchdowns on an interception, a fumble return and a blocked punt.

Seemingly indestructible, Hendricks played in 215 consecutive regular-season games and also participated in eight Pro Bowls, seven AFC Championship Games and four Super Bowls (V with the Colts, XI, XV, XVIII with the Raiders). He was named All-Pro as a Colt in 1971, as a Packer in 1974 and as a Raider in 1980 and 1982. He also earned second-team All-Pro accolades five other times.

Hendricks was selected All-AFC seven times and All-NFC once. He began his career as a right linebacker but moved to the left side in the latter half of his pro career. In his final pro game, Hendricks was the starting left linebacker in the Los Angeles Raiders' 38-9 trouncing of the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII.