The NFL lost one of its more memorable figures Wednesday with the passing of Todd Christensen.
The five-time Pro Bowl tight end and two-time Super Bowl champion for the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders died Wednesday morning in a Utah hospital due to complications from surgery, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Christensen was 57.
After starring at BYU, Christensen went on to a successful pro career with the Raiders, serving as one of the league's premier pass-catching tight ends.
Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys to play fullback in 1978, Christensen spent time with the New York Giants before emerging with the Raiders in 1982, when he caught 42 passes for 510 yards and four scores. His 349 catches over the next four seasons set an NFL record.
Along with Kellen Winslow and Ozzie Newsome, Christensen helped reshape the tight end position before finishing his career with the Silver and Black in 1988.
Off the field, Christensen is remembered as one of the game's more colorful characters, never afraid to speak his mind. Those traits helped him evolve into a memorable presence as an NFL analyst for NBC.
All of us here at NFL Media send our best wishes to the Christensen family.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" recapped every Week 10 game. Click here to listen and subscribe.