AboutDarrel Expertise Long time Raider fan who has bled silver and black for over 30 years. Make it out to Oakland from NY City, at least once a year to see the boys play. Can answer just about anything regarding the Raiders, even dating back to what their original name was going to be. Might be able to help with other NFL stuff/rules etc...
Expert: Darrel Date: 9/13/2007 Subject: former raider
Question What ever happened to George Atkinson the former raider defensive end? Is he still connected to the
Raiders organization?
Answer George Atkinson
August 12, 2006
Q: Who were some of your favorite teammates?
George Atkinson: I’d have to say Willie Brown, Jack Tatum, Otis Sistrunk, Art Thoms, Fred Biletnikoff and Rod Sherman
Q: Do you still keep in touch with any of your teammates?
George Atkinson: All of the time, either through the internet or we get together from time to time. You know, play a little golf and share stories from the good days.
Q: What were your thoughts after being drafted?
George Atkinson: It was exciting; it is something that you look for and something that you would like to happen to you. When it does happen it’s euphoric. The anticipation that you will be drafted and when it happens it’s a feeling of satisfaction. Then you also recognize it’s just the start; you were drafted now the hard part is making the team.
Q: What was the most memorable game for you when you played for the Raiders?
George Atkinson: The first game I played in, the first time I received the punt I ran it back for a touchdown, it was about 75 or 80 yards. That day I set an NFL record. I think it still stands.
Q: Which team did you like playing against the most?
George Atkinson: I always like playing against Pittsburgh because we had a big rivalry with them. They played us really tight to the vest so it was always an exciting game. Normally when we played them it was a game that meant something or had some significance in that it was either for a playoff, championship, right to go the Super Bowl or something along those lines.
Q: What was your favorite stadium to play in, other than home?
George Atkinson: They were all crummy but I would have to say Kansas City. I liked playing in Kansas City in Arrowhead Stadium.
Q: Can you describe what it is like to win the Super Bowl?
George Atkinson: I wish I could. It was basically a dream come true. We had been there so many times knocking on the door to get to the Super Bowl and finally we got there and it was one of those things that is hard to translate the feeling. I guess if any one word could describe it, it would be euphoric.
Q: Can you compare today’s game to your playing experience?
George Atkinson: I think there have been some big changes. As far as assignments are concerned the role of the player has changed. The offenses and defenses are run a little bit differently. The fundamentals are always and will always be the same but it’s the way you achieve that that’s different.
Q: What are your impressions of Raiders fans both past and present?
George Atkinson: Loyal. They have always been very loyal and fanatical. They really exemplify the true meaning of what being a fan is about.
Q: Can you describe what it was like playing for coach Madden?
George Atkinson: It was an experience. It was a learning experience as far as getting to understand what it takes to be successful. It was a fun experience because of his personality. It was also a meaningful experience because of what we accomplished with him.
Q: What do you currently do?
George Atkinson: I’m doing broadcasting. I broadcast the Raider games doing the pre- and post-game for the Raiders. I also do a television show called Behind the Shield. I also do a daily update for the Raiders training camp for channel 36. The radio show is on the Ticket. I also do the Arena Football San Jose SaberCats broadcasts. I do color for them when they’re away on the road and I do the pre-game show when they are at home.
Q: How does it feel to continue to be a part of the Raiders organization?
George Atkinson: It’s the first organization I played for and I played for them for 10 years so it means a lot to still be a part of the organization. It’s one that I’m proud to be a part of, Al Davis, Amy Trask, Bruce Allen, the whole front office has been very receptive of me and they’ve kept me involved in things which means a lot to me. I am very loyal to this organization.
