The BITTER FEUD Between Mike Shanahan and Todd Christensen | 1989 Raiders

During the 1989 NFL season, Los Angeles Raiders tight end and 5-time Pro Bowler Todd Christensen was fighting to make the roster. Christensen did not make it onto Mike Shanahan's roster; however, the way that he didn't make it onto the team left such a bitter taste in his mouth that after getting cut, Christensen went full scorched earth on the organization, the man he lost the job to (Mike Dyal), and head coach Mike Shanahan. This is the story behind the bitter drama

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Members of the 1989 Raiders:
Jeff Gossett
Steve Beuerlein
Vince Evans
Jay Schroeder
Jeff Jaeger
Dennis Price
Mike Haynes
Derrick Crudup
Dan Land
Vann McElroy
Russell Carter
Kerry Porter
Marcus Allen
Eddie Anderson
Bo Jackson
Steve Smith
Terry McDaniel
Steve Strachan
Zeph Lee
Bobby Joe Edmonds
Vance Mueller
Stefon Adams
Mike Harden
Lionel Washington
Otis Wilson
Linden King
Thomas Benson
Joe Costello
Jerry Robinson
Jackie Shipp
Rory Graves
John Gesek
Steve Wright
Dan Turk
Bruce Wilkerson
Scott Davis
Bill Pickel
Don Mosebar
Pete Koch
Howie Long
Steve Wisniewski
Tim Rother
Bob Golic
Timmie Ware
Tim Brown
Willie Gault
Mike Dyal
Mervyn Fernandez
Trey Junkin
Ethan Horton
Mike Alexander
Mike Wise
Emanuel King
Greg Townsend
Mark Mraz
Ricky Hunley
Mike Shanahan (head coach)
Art Shell (head coach)
Al Davis (owner)

[auntrayjones]

Wow had no idea Christensen got done this dirty

[nathaneast]

If you had told me in 1986, when Christensen was 30 years old, had the most catches in the NFL over the preceding 5 years, had just become the only player in NFL history to log 80+ catches for 4 seasons in a row, had been All-Pro 4 years straight, a Pro Bowler 5 years straight, and had led the NFL in catches in 2 of the previous 4 seasons, and was indisputably the best TE in the game, that he would not make the NFL, I would've laughed at you.

If you'd told me that just 2 years later -- after leading the league in catches! -- he'd be retired, I would've said you're insane.

Yet it all happened. He went from best in the game, on a surefire Hall of Famer track, to nobody. Real fast. He just disappeared. Today, people remember Mark Bavaro more. Mark Bavaro, a man who never even caught 65 passes in a season. Christensen had 80+ catches 4 years in a row! He's miles better than Bavaro.

[marcusmosiahgarveysr]

3:51 Based on that philosophy, Mike should've released Shannon Sharpe, when he became HC of the Broncos.

[LosAngeles-yzyn]

Can you do one on the 1990 Lyle Alzado comeback attempt?

[James]

Incredible video! Another example of the establishment destroying one great intellect first, then removing his ability to demonstrate his talent. RIP Todd Christensen.

[nasetvideos]

Great video--Really fantastic job telling this story...enjoy the games today! Look forward to hearing your recap tonight at 11:30 EST of all the games. That's always the best end to a long football day.

[joeb]

He was great as host of Touchdown Trivia on Married with Children.

[jkelly]

Waiting for the Jay Schroeder story - played one game in college, drafted by blue jays 1st as catcher, then drafted by redskins 4 years later. Love your videos

[donparisheo]

I remember how dominant Christensen was he was an unreal TE I also loved it when he went in the NBC booth and did a great job calling playoff games. He teamed up with Charlie Jones who had a classic voice, both worked tremendously together.

[Fireyninjadog]

Mike hated al Davis since the raiders fired him for art shell

[dorrin]

"In Mike Shannahan's offense, Tight Ends were not supposed to be receiving threats"

*Shannon Sharpe has entered the chat*

[LOLheyman]

This is why George kittle doesn't have kelce stats. The Shanahan's are OVERRATED. Shanahan hasn't won shit without a hof quarterback.

[chevyx]

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree either. His son treats people like garbage in sf

[chrisrobinson]

I'm still pissed at coach Mike for putting RG3 in that playoff game vs the Seahawks and ruining RG3. I could tell he wasn't healthy and this goofy coach couldn't. Can't stand him. Sorry Shannon.

[JayDogTitan-hewo]

A converted running back, Todd Christensen was one of the toughest tight ends to ever play, Reliable, durable, A great Raider. 🙏

[johnliberty]

Let's not forget that Christiansen was also a long snapper, making him even more valuable to a team.

[kyledamron]

The Raiders really were ahead of their time with great receiving tight ends Todd probably the best in a line really great tight ends. I debate myself if Casper or Christiansen are the better TE, but I love Todd. I wish he was in the HoF

[NosferatusCoffin]

In case this has not been mentioned yet, here is a Fun Fact.

in 1980, Christensen did in fact find the end zone. He caught a TD in the Raiders 27-7 wildcard win over the Oilers in the 1980 wild card. It was actually his first ever catch as a pro.

[ralphshelley]

It's like Riggins leaving NY Jets!

[chuckthurmond]

Christensen's first NFL reception was a postseason touchdown in 1980. I always liked that he kept No. 46 after becoming a tight end.