R.i.p. Jack tatum.

[raidergator]

Originally Posted by RAIDER ROB What a "Black Tuesday" for me peronally, and for many of us who represented the Black Hole, and know his great spirit, and was able to know this "Realest" of Raiders and NFL players. My Raider flag flys at half mast today. For many years he tailgated with Charlie Smith next to where the Black Hole was in Lot D, and it was always cool to reminisce about old games, and different wide outs he played against. He was not a man who spoke loudly, but he didn't suger-coat anything either. We used to (very carefully) "tease" him sometimes about being the "fashion enforcer" for the NFL. We'd tell him to get this guy or that guy for the way they dressed. He had a cool sense-of-humor, and was just a "MAN". Period. One of the few idols i have. Growing up in Oakland in the 70's and 80's, it was common to see Mr. Tatum at summer camps,or at Alameda beach or riding around El Cerrito where he lived. Every kid back then in Oakland who played defense wanted to be Jack Tatum. He made "hitting" look fun & violent. I"ll be forever grateful to him for doing my little public access show back in 1998, and for always making himself or memorbilia available for charities by the Hole and other Raider fan groups. He loved the Nation, and he put it on record many times. Thank you Jack for being an inspiration, an idol, and a friend to the Black Hole, and all Raider fans. GOD FOREVER BLESS YOUR SOUL. Bout to break ot some of your hits right now.

..Heartfelt Rob..I can't help but get choked up..I never got to meet Jack Tatum..I know that not only was he a legend on the Field he was a legend off the field as well..He gave back to the community..he did it in Oakland..and he did it here in Ohio..The kids gravitated towards him here in Ohio as well..He was a fixture at Buckeye practices and games His death sent shock waves here in Ohio..He is much Loved by the BUCKEYE faithful as he is by Raider Nation ..I just know it was Jack and Willie Brown that got me hooked on the Raiders as a 7 year old suburbanite kid In Ohio..I watched in awe as a snot nosed kid watching Jack just unload on suckers..Man..no one HIT like JACK..So gonna miss him..I may be a Michigan man..but Jack was an all American 2 times at Ohio State So I have to respect that..his teams went 27-2 and won a National Championship..I was just being born during that time..I just know I loved that guy..he made me want to suit up and play..got me hooked on Football..here it is 3 days later..and I'm still extremely sad..the only thing that may bring a smile is for the Raiders to start winning again..Jack is owed that..Much respect Rob..Thx for posting your story man..Must of been awesome getting to meet him..

[iceman4444]

Originally Posted by kyh0mpb My uncle lives next door to him and his family in Oakland, he said he was the nicest guy and signed a couple things for him when he asked.

great stuff! thanks

[iceman4444]

Originally Posted by RAIDER ROB Right on Iceman. I don't think people really undertsand the "other" side of the image of Jack Tatum, that you and your family knew. It's also a travesty that he represented what NFL stood for in his era. Yet he's not in the Hall Of Fame like some of his fellow greats at the position. Paul Krause in before Tatum.Please! Stinkin Raider bias. He and Snake not being in is what has made me never want to visit Canton.

I have to be honest; in my collection I have 3 jerseys; Warren Wells, Lester Hayes, and Jack Tatum.

John Clayton said it best; the east coast writers will NEVER let Tatum into the hall of fame but he's a hall of fame player in his mind. Amen

People forget how hated the Raiders were and the soul patrol lead the way with Al Davis. Cliff Branch? Ray Guy? Jack Tatum?

The best punter award in college football? The Ray Guy award

The best DB award in college football? The Jack Tatum award.

Cliff Branch has 3 super bowl rings and played key rolls in each. His numbers tower Lynn Swanns.

The NFL HOF should be ashamed.

[raidergator]

Originally Posted by iceman4444 I have to be honest; in my collection I have 3 jerseys; Warren Wells, Lester Hayes, and Jack Tatum. John Clayton said it best; the east coast writers will NEVER let Tatum into the hall of fame but he's a hall of fame player in his mind. Amen People forget how hated the Raiders were and the soul patrol lead the way with Al Davis. Cliff Branch? Ray Guy? Jack Tatum? The best punter award in college football? The Ray Guy award The best DB award in college football? The Jack Tatum award. Cliff Branch has 3 super bowl rings and played key rolls in each. His numbers tower Lynn Swanns. The NFL HOF should be ashamed.

FACT..I live in Ohio..2 hours away from Canton I havent been there in over 30 years..I should bring a Picket sign that say LET JACK IN..I have a Big Black Bold #32 jersey that I would proudly wear..Total bullshit that Jack..lester..Snake..Branch..the list goes on and on..

[Buck Rogers]

Originally Posted by iceman4444 I have to be honest; in my collection I have 3 jerseys; Warren Wells, Lester Hayes, and Jack Tatum. John Clayton said it best; the east coast writers will NEVER let Tatum into the hall of fame but he's a hall of fame player in his mind. Amen People forget how hated the Raiders were and the soul patrol lead the way with Al Davis. Cliff Branch? Ray Guy? Jack Tatum? The best punter award in college football? The Ray Guy award The best DB award in college football? The Jack Tatum award. Cliff Branch has 3 super bowl rings and played key rolls in each. His numbers tower Lynn Swanns. The NFL HOF should be ashamed.

I agree 100%.....I couldn't give a shit about the media "hating" on the Raiders nowadays, we suck and deserve, GOI!!! But the HOF dicks clearly have an agenda against the Raiders and it's fucking stupid. The Steelers defense of the 70's played EVERY BIT as dirty and aggressive as the Raiders, but they're labeled as tough and hard-hitting etc etc....also totally agree about Cliff Branch, his numbers are way better than crybaby Lynn Swann and it's a shame he isn't in.

The whole process is ridiculous anyway....the Saints bandwagon got so out of control that Rickey fuckin Jackson is getting in this month.....who????? Either way, there should be at least 2-3 more Raiders in the HOF, but they'll never get past these uptight whiney sportswriters....I wouldn't hold my breath on Timmy either.

[raidergator]

yeah the Championships that Timmy didn't win is gonnaadd him to that list of long waiting Raiders in front of him..seriously I should trek over to Canton..The Hall of fame is only like 2-2 1/2 hours away..I should go that parade they have..and wear my Raider gear..and Hold a Picket sign that Has Jack's # on the top of the list.. .The fucking Bias that the Media..and those HOF cronies have sicken me..Peter King from SI campains openly about Snake being inducted..Its pathetic..all I know there is a RAIDER HALL OF FAME and every above mentioned player along with Jack are in there..FUCK CANTON..true football fans know who the true legends of the game are..so I say FUCKUM all

[raiderdude24]

Originally Posted by Buck Rogers I agree 100%.....I couldn't give a shit about the media "hating" on the Raiders nowadays, we suck and deserve, GOI!!! But the HOF dicks clearly have an agenda against the Raiders and it's fucking stupid. The Steelers defense of the 70's played EVERY BIT as dirty and aggressive as the Raiders, but they're labeled as tough and hard-hitting etc etc....also totally agree about Cliff Branch, his numbers are way better than crybaby Lynn Swann and it's a shame he isn't in. The whole process is ridiculous anyway....the Saints bandwagon got so out of control that Rickey fuckin Jackson is getting in this month.....who????? Either way, there should be at least 2-3 more Raiders in the HOF, but they'll never get past these uptight whiney sportswriters....I wouldn't hold my breath on Timmy either.

It would be a fuckin shame if Tim isn't in the HOF