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Daryle Lamonica (1941–2022), legendary Raiders quarterback

by Kirk Fox

Daryle Lamonica was a legendary quarterback for the Oakland Raiders who was a two-time AFL player of the year.

The Mad Bomber

Daryle Lamonica was a star quarterback for Notre Dame who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League in 1963. He was mostly a back-up with the Bills behind starter Jack Kemp. He was traded to the Oakland Raiders before the 1967 season and became a star quarterback. He was the AFL MVP in 1967 and 1969 and led the team to the AFL championship title in 1967 which earned them a spot in Super Bowl II against the Packers. The Packers behind Bart Starr beat the Raiders 33-14. Lamonica had a strong arm and liked to throw long passes which led iconic announcer Howard Cosell to nickname him “The Mad Bomber.” He retired from the NFL after the 1974 season and played the following season in the World Football League.  

Notable Quote

At first, he thought it was a “dumb name,” but quickly changed his mind. “I thought, ‘Ooh. I like that. Maybe that is not such a bad nickname.’ It stuck and that is what I ended up with. … Now it’s my registered trademark.” – He told Sports Illustrated on the Howard Cosell giving him the nickname “The Mad Bomber,” according to the Fresno Bee 

Tributes to Daryle Lamonica 

Full Obituary: Fresno Bee

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