Oakland Raiders QB: What Happened to Eldridge Dickey?

Let's just say that being in the right place, at the right time is a powerful, positive factor in the careers of some people. Have you wondered if factors other than performance helped or hindered the careers of quarterbacks who were the chosen ones of past and present?

I wonder. And, when I wonder, I do research.

A historian who happens to be the relative of the late Eldridge Dickey, a man who could have been the first Black quarterback in the NFL, has a perspective of Dickey's story that he wants to share. He will be interviewed, April 23, 2010.

Some preliminary research is being done in preparation for the interview. Here is a quote that establishes a framework:

"In 1968 Dickey was drafted in the first round by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders also selected University of Alabama quarterback Ken Stabler in the second round. Despite reports that Dickey outperformed Stabler at training camp, Dickey was moved to wide receiver for the start of the season. It is unknown if this decision was influenced by the predominant stereotype at the time that Blacks weren't intelligent enough to be capable leaders or if it was solely based on Dickey's athletic ability. This came as a blow to a player who at one time told his former coach, Joe Gilliam , that if he couldn't play quarterback he didn't want to play. But, Dickey accepted the position hoping for an opportunity to play his preferred position."

Rickie Moore is the historian who said he was willing to share a deeper perspective of what happened to Dickey. He has suggested that Dickey's experiences with the Oakland Raiders were somewhat disappointing. Dickey passed away a few years ago.

Heartbreak and other problems complicated the life and career of Dickey. Some students indicated that they saw a documentary on Dickey's life suggesting that he may have had many personal problems.

The quest for truth about the covert and overt influences in the lives of NFL athletes is worthy of research.

Wouldn't it be tragic if we overlook the subtle, covert forces that can break the spirit of some men, while others transcend those same circumstances?

Isn't it strange that historical accounts can be hidden, placed in dark shadows, and distorted for whatever political, financial gain of one set of people over another, disenfranchised group?

America is still young, and still learning how to build a nation where equal opportunity and freedom prevail. 

It is a country where we hope that some things can be disentangled from preconceived notions about people who may be different from the majority group or group who wield power in the NFL and in the Oakland Raiders' franchise, in particular.

But, we are free to question, free to think, while others are free to take the risk of making decisions which may come under scrutiny.

Go Raiders!