“Ted was a great teammate,” Plunkett said, with a slow-rising chuckle. “He might be the best linebacker to ever play football. He did it his own way and he was extremely successful. To go in with these two gentlemen is an honor.”
From a personal perspective, it was more than a privilege to be on the Hispanic Football Hall’s selection committee. To see these three more-than-deserving candidates go in together in the inaugural class, that is the ultimate chef’s beso. (Yes, that’s Spanish for “kiss.”)
Then how’s this for a farewell abrazo? (Si, Spanish for “hug.”)
This Hall’s Celebración de Fútbol will induct the inaugural class, as well as honor it’s Pro Player of the Year (Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto), College Player of the Year (the afore-mentioned Mendoza) and High School Player of the Year (El Dorado of El Paso, Texas running back Ryan Estrada). Not only will it be held on Cinco de Mayo, but it will also be held in Southern Nevada.
The Raiders have long stood for diversity and inclusion, so the franchise being connected to the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame makes all the sense in the world.
A fact not lost on Raiders owner Mark Davis.
“Wow, that’s very cool, awesome,” Davis said, when told of the three Raiders being honored. “It’s great for the Raiders to be represented in the inaugural class. Tom, Jim and Ted? That’s pretty impressive.”
Muy impresionate. Maybe even, well, glorious.