Raider

Dive into the thrilling life of Raymond Chester, the Oakland Raiders legend. 

While America was convulsed following the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, Chester was central to the move of Black American football into the mainstream. From his college glory at Morgan State to his iconic moments on the NFL field, Chester’s story is one of resilience and triumph which resonates far beyond the world of sport. 

This inspiring account of an American sporting hero and his extraordinary impact on society is entrusted to his close friend, author and rugby fan Jon Gower, revealed through extensive interviews taking place from Wales to the US. Raider is the story of a true team player, one musician in a band of brothers who played their own wild tune on the football field, in a life filled with exceptional athleticism, brotherhood, friendship and love.

The 1970s was the beginning of an era and breed of taller, faster tight ends. Ones who could run. Raymond was perhaps the most feared...big, rugged and physical, he combined size, strength, speed, quickness, moves, great hands and athleticism better than any of them. The tight ends of the 50s and 60s, once considered a third tackle, and a position of big, slow, lumbering linemen, was parlayed by the Raiders’ Raymond Chester into one of grace and speed. Raymond revolutionized the tight end position.

(Danny Jones in Heroes of Yesteryear: Pro Football’s Dying Breed of Players from a Bygone Era)

Raymond Chester, a man’s man, a mentor, was and is still my Hero today. When I was a rookie in 1980 he showed me love – always a strong man, a smart man, willing to help everyone.

Raymond showed young black men how to be committed professionals both on and off the field. After you talk to him for five or fifty minutes, you feel smarter for his sharing his wisdom with you. I love Raymond for always standing up to the system and making Black men proud.

(Frank Hawkins, running back, Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, 1981-1987)

Raymond personified what it meant to be a professional athlete – possessed of an incredible work ethic, very smart and committed to excellence. Almost 50 years later we continue to have our bond as brothers, and he continues to offer a wealth of knowledge and be a great resource. More importantly, he is “Big Brother.”

(Derrick Ramsey, tight end, Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, 1978-1983)