Player Profile: Rich Gannon

**RaiderInNY** · 08-27-2003, 11:57 AM

Player Profile: Rich Gannon
By: RaiderInNY, for Raiderfans.net

In 1987, Richard Joseph Gannon couldn’t even imagine being the NFL’s Most Valuable Player and the starting quarterback for the Oakland Raiders after being drafted in the 4th round of the NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Gannon didn’t even have a defined position when drafted and then traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 1988. After a couple of seasons in Minnesota and establishing himself as a QB, Rich got his taste of playoff football in 1989 in a 41-13 playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, albeit in mop up duty, completing 13 of 18 passes for 144 yards. He will have his opportunity 10 years later to lead his team to championship contention.

In 1999, he arrived as starting quarterback of the Silver and Black. He was named to his first pro-bowl following a season in which he completed 304 of 515 passes for 3,840 yards and 24 touchdowns. The versatile QB, who is cerebral, accurate and can throw the ball from any angle found a home in the bay area and has become one of the great QB’s in Raider history. The career back-up and spot starter was brought in by Jon Gruden to bring the Raiders back to prominence. And that he did! In 4 seasons, he has started every game at QB for the Raiders, has lead them to 3 straight AFC west crowns, 2 AFC championship games, one Super Bowl and has compiled outstanding statistics that any hall of fame QB will fancy. Gannon has accumulated 15,787 passing yards, 105 touchdowns, only 44 interceptions and a outstanding 92.9 quarterback rating during his time as a Oakland Raider. He cemented his status around the NFL with 4 Pro-Bowl during this time and 2 game MVP’s. The 16 year veteran out of Delaware, with a degree in criminal justice, had to wait several years while in Minnesota and Kansas City to get his turn to shine, as a Raider he has established himself as one of the top QB’s in the NFL.

In 1988, Rich Gannon took on a battle off the football field. His daughter Danielle was diagnosed with a disease known as Celiac Disease (C.D). The chronic digestive disorder that his daughter suffered from took the family by surprise and their lack of awareness to this disease became a inspiration for the Gannon’s to spread the word about this disease. His game planning on the field and off-field, when dealing with his daughter’s diagnosis have made Rich a leader and inspiration in his professional career and personal life.

Notes:
-During his 4 years in Delaware, set 21 school records.
-Was a punter while in Delaware
-Has rushed for 2,405 yards on 510 carries (4.7 avg.) in 16-year NFL career with 21 touchdowns
-122 career starts
Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/...non-celiac.htm
http://www.celiac.org/
http://www.NFL.com