Todd Christensen

August 3, 1956 — November 13, 2013 — Bellflower, California, United States

Todd Christensen was an American professional football player who redefined the tight end position during his decade in the NFL, primarily with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders. A converted running back, he became one of the league's most reliable pass-catchers in the 1980s and later transitioned into a successful career as a television football analyst.

Early Life and College Career

Todd Jay Christensen was born on August 3, 1956, and grew up with a passion for football that led him to play college ball at Brigham Young University. At BYU, he competed as a running back within the Cougars' developing passing offense, showing enough athleticism and hands to catch the attention of NFL scouts. His performance during his college career was strong enough that the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the second round of the 1978 NFL Draft, a promising start for a young player entering the professional ranks. However, Christensen's path to stardom was not immediate; he struggled to find a permanent role early in his career, bouncing between teams before finding the right fit. This early adversity ultimately shaped the determination and versatility that would define his later success, as he transitioned from a running back prospect into one of the most productive tight ends of his era once he landed with the Raiders organization.

NFL Career with the Raiders

After brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, Todd Christensen signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he converted to tight end and became a cornerstone of the offense from 1979 to 1988. Under the Raiders' vertical passing attack, Christensen developed into one of the most productive tight ends of the decade, renowned for his sure hands and precise route-running rather than blazing speed. He earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1983 to 1987 and twice led the NFL in receptions, a rare feat for a tight end during that era. Christensen was a key contributor to the Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII championship victory over the Washington Redskins following the 1983 season. His ability to consistently get open and make clutch catches made him a favorite target of Raiders quarterbacks and a matchup problem for opposing defenses. By the time he retired in 1988, Christensen had established himself among the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history, finishing his career with numbers that placed him among the league's elite pass-catchers regardless of position.

Broadcasting Career and Legacy

Following his retirement from playing, Todd Christensen transitioned smoothly into sports broadcasting, leveraging his football intelligence and articulate analysis to become a respected voice in the industry. He worked as a commentator for major networks including NBC Sports, ESPN, and CBS Sports Network, covering both professional and collegiate football for two decades. His insightful breakdowns of the game earned him credibility with fans and players alike, extending his influence on football well beyond his playing days. Christensen passed away in 2013, but his legacy endures through his statistical achievements and his role in elevating the tight end position's importance in NFL offenses. He remains remembered as one of the standout Raiders of the 1980s and a broadcaster whose analysis enriched fans' understanding of the sport he loved.