😢I was in Tahoe in the mid 80s and the marquee in front of the Horizon casino read “welcome Raiders celebrating John Maddens 50th birthday.” Me being a raiders fan I entered the turnstile and immediately realized Mike Ditka was in the same section as me. I proceeded to follow Mr. Ditka to a blackjack table where he sat at 1st base, so I sat next to him at 2nd base. After a while I said to him, “ why don’t you trade Jim McMahon to the Raiders?” He replied “ I would trade him for a six pack of Shlitz” then I said “ he would be a great raider!” Then he replied “ he would be great for a lot of teams if he had a lobotomy!”
I remember the play, night game vs Vikings. McMahon giving Ditka hell,” Put me in, Dammit!” McMahon was injured, and wanted to go in. I guess , to teach him a lesson, Ditka put him in. They were losing. Payton throws a Textbook block, and Jim hits Willie Gault on the prettiest pass ever. The Momentum of the moment, helped get them to SB XX. Like it happened, last night. Just beautiful. Chalkboard perfect.
Refreshing to hear someone not hold punches. He wasn't perfect either but I kinda get sick of all of the pc interviews. Without a doubt Jim is one of the most interesting people to ever play.