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Lyle Alzado & John Riggins quit NFL football in 1986...



Item # 724922

March 20, 1986

USA TODAY, March 20, 1986

* Lyle Alzado - Oakland Raiders "Bod Boy" "Outlaw"
* John Riggins - Washington Redskins power back 
* Both announce retirement from NFL football 


Near the bottom of the front page of the sport's section has a two column heading: "Alzado packs it in; Riggins sent packing" Page 3 of this section has a four column heading: "A bow, and a curtain call" with subheads and small photo of Alzado. (see images) 
Complete with all sections (36 pages), very nice condition.

background: March 19, 1986, served as a definitive closing chapter for the NFL’s "outlaw" era as Lyle Alzado and John Riggins—two of the most physically imposing and colorful characters of the 1970s and 80s—both officially walked away from the game. Alzado, the ferocious defensive end for the Los Angeles Raiders, concluded a 15-season career defined by an intimidating, high-motor style that earned him 112.5 sacks and a Super Bowl XVIII ring. Simultaneously, "The Diesel" John Riggins ended his 14-season Hall of Fame tenure with the Washington Redskins, leaving as the league’s then-all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (104) and the MVP of Super Bowl XVII. Their dual departure signaled a massive shift in league culture, as teams lost not just elite production, but two of the last true "old school" personalities who preferred brute force and candid eccentricity over the increasingly polished image of the modern professional athlete.

Category: The 20th Century