April 5th is sad day for all fans of football: Darryl Stingley has died due to complications associated with quadriplegia. "In my decision to stop coaching, Darryl's situation was a factor. Not the only factor, but a factor. During the weeks he was in Eden Hospital, not many people seemed to care enough. That's when I started wondering if football people really care about a player, or if football people just care what a player does."
~ John Madden. Hey, Wait a Minute (I Wrote a Book). p 5
"When the reality of Stingley's injury hit me with its full impact, I was shattered. To think that my tackle broke another man's neck and killed his future... well, I know it hurts Darryl. It hurts me too.
I didn't know if I ever wanted to play football again. It was constantly on my mind and tearing at my insides. My body felt like a hollow shell that no longer belonged to me."
~ Jack Tatum, They Call Me Assassin. p 224
"I am deeply saddened by the death of Darryl Stingley. Darryl will be forever remembered for his strength and courage. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."~ Jack Tatum
Rest in peace, Darryl. And know that we Raider fans cared then, and we care now.
