As we continue to celebrate the life of John Madden this week, there has been no shortage of memorable soundbites circulating the internet from arguably the NFL’s greatest icon.
One of the more interesting stories he told in his lifetime was the story of Ray Guy.
“Of all the years that I was in the draft for the Oakland Raiders, the easiest draft choice we ever had was Ray Guy,” Madden once said. “That was 100 percent consensus.”
Ray Guy ended up being the 23rd-overall pick in the 1973 draft and was the first punter to be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft. Guy has since be elected to both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a six-time All-Pro and is still considering by most to be the greatest punter of all time.
The history books will remember Guy’s awards and statistical achievements, but Raider fans will also remember the play he made in Super Bowl XVIII to save a high punt from going over his head.
Former Raiders tight end Todd Christensen once told told the story to why he snapped the ball so high to Guy. You can hear Madden call the play in the second half of the video.
One of the many great moments in Raider history…
twitter: @raidersbeat
Carson” Woos” he’s a pussy, go out and hit that sob! Hard, really Hard! He will turn into CarsonWoosey.
So many memories of the Raiders when they were consistently good and were run as a top notch organization. I am lucky I am old enough to have seen those days, memories that are etched in my mind
I to witnessed those LONG AGO glory days, but what has followed since is arguably the worst run franchise in NFL history. Time had passed Al Davis by, and his son Mark doesn’t have a clue.
You are CORRECT! Mark should sell off his shares to the organization!
Isn’t it funny how the Raiders suck at home?…I don’t care for Carr either…
The great old days !!!
I agree. I was around since the conception of the AFL and the Oakland Raiders . They were once the most feared team in the NFL . Now teams lick their chops when their on their schedule. **** !
“……lick their chops when the Raiders are on their schedule”……GTFOH with that mess.
John Madden what a legacy and what a legend. My heart goes out to his family and all of us who love him so. I am a forever Raider fan and I still hope for the glory to winning comes back for the LV Raiders. If not now, when? The drought of 20 years needs to end. Come on LV Raiders do the darn thing.
I’m also glad I’m old enough to remember the Raiders of the 60’s , 70’s and 80’s, tough great teams,always classy and respected!
I’ve always said and believe, the NFL has changed certain rules to change the way the RAIDERS play football, it might be strange but that’s just how I feel.
I am a long time raiders fan as well and remember those glory days of the 70s and 80s!!! Such a shame that they are so not feared any more.
Ray Guy from Univ. of Southern Miss. he could make that pig skin fly classic high leg kick
I too also remember the days of the most feared team in the NFL. “DA RAIDERS”
On my bucket list one of the things I wish for is to see them win one more Super Bowl. I just don’t know anymore if that will ever come to pass…
Way to play today even though everybody feels today’s win was pure luck and some of our faithful fans Don’t believe in this group because they think the intern coach don’t know what he is doing but my understanding of the game is they all are pro’s so stop with the B’s it’s Raider nation baby win or lose ?so let’s go care
That tweet with Todd Christiansen by Old Time Football? You’ll notice HandicapHulk09 included. That’s one of Todd’s sons. I connect with him now and again. Great guy and yes he’s physically handicapped but his upper body is MASSIVE.
I was born the same year as the Raiders 1960, and when I was 15 (1975) I was at a Preseason game in the old Alameda coliseum. It was a strike year, so starters were not on the field. Setting one seat in front of me & one seat to the right of me was Gene Upshaw….. Are you kidding me…..I was 15. I got his autograph on my program and still have it now. What a thrill.