Post by TheShadow on Apr 8, 2008 4:40:28 GMT -5
www.realfootball365.com/
by: Os Davis
RealFootball365.com wishes many happy returns (OK, so we're a day belated) to Steve Wisniewski, one of the memorable linemen of the 1990s. Described by several authoritative sources as "the dirtiest player in the NFL" and - well, beyond that, there's nothing printable about "Wiz" on a family Web site. We might call him a consummate Oakland Raider . . .
Mostly at left guard for the silver and black before the days of the Internet, Wisniewski (born April 7, 1967) was eight times a Pro Bowler and a member of five playoff teams in the '90s. Technically, Wisniewski went 29th overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, listed as a member of the Dallas Cowboys' roster for about 10 minutes, but he was quickly traded to the Raiders.
In 2000, the NFL Hall of Fame ended up putting Wisniewski on its 1990s All-Decade Team, and history says the man lived up to the great heights established by his stated role models Howie Long and Matt Millen.
History knows Wisniewski in a different way as well. Based on a poll of "more than 150 players," Sports Illustrated put the Wiz at No. 1 dirtiest current player in 1997. ESPN had Wisniewski, in its typically hyperbolic way, at No. 4 dirtiest player all-time, any sport.
(Excellent quote from an anonymous opponent in the ESPN piece: "He chops from behind. He'll shoot knees ... I'll take sides with any old lineman, but this m----------- had me cursing and swearing on TV. I couldn't believe the shots he took.")
Meanwhile, the official line at Raiders.com reads, "Described as a 'technician,' Wisniewski was an athletic lineman, who ran well, and had quick feet." (Giggle.)
In any case, Mr. W., happy 41st. You are missed - if not by those who opposed you, at least by those who could watch from a safe distance away.
by: Os Davis
RealFootball365.com wishes many happy returns (OK, so we're a day belated) to Steve Wisniewski, one of the memorable linemen of the 1990s. Described by several authoritative sources as "the dirtiest player in the NFL" and - well, beyond that, there's nothing printable about "Wiz" on a family Web site. We might call him a consummate Oakland Raider . . .
Mostly at left guard for the silver and black before the days of the Internet, Wisniewski (born April 7, 1967) was eight times a Pro Bowler and a member of five playoff teams in the '90s. Technically, Wisniewski went 29th overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, listed as a member of the Dallas Cowboys' roster for about 10 minutes, but he was quickly traded to the Raiders.
In 2000, the NFL Hall of Fame ended up putting Wisniewski on its 1990s All-Decade Team, and history says the man lived up to the great heights established by his stated role models Howie Long and Matt Millen.
History knows Wisniewski in a different way as well. Based on a poll of "more than 150 players," Sports Illustrated put the Wiz at No. 1 dirtiest current player in 1997. ESPN had Wisniewski, in its typically hyperbolic way, at No. 4 dirtiest player all-time, any sport.
(Excellent quote from an anonymous opponent in the ESPN piece: "He chops from behind. He'll shoot knees ... I'll take sides with any old lineman, but this m----------- had me cursing and swearing on TV. I couldn't believe the shots he took.")
Meanwhile, the official line at Raiders.com reads, "Described as a 'technician,' Wisniewski was an athletic lineman, who ran well, and had quick feet." (Giggle.)
In any case, Mr. W., happy 41st. You are missed - if not by those who opposed you, at least by those who could watch from a safe distance away.