
Raider
The Raymond Chester Story
Jon Gower(Author)
Calon (Publisher)
Published on 27. March 2025
Book
Hardback
232 pages
978-1-915279-94-1 (ISBN)
Description
Dive into the thrilling life of Raymond Chester, the Oakland Raiders legend.
While America was convulsed following the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, Chester was central to the move of Black American football into the mainstream. From his college glory at Morgan State to his iconic moments on the NFL field, Chester's story is one of resilience and triumph which resonates far beyond the world of sport.
This inspiring account of an American sporting hero and his extraordinary impact on society is entrusted to his close friend, author and rugby fan Jon Gower, revealed through extensive interviews taking place from Wales to the US. Raider is the story of a true team player, one musician in a band of brothers who played their own wild tune on the football field, in a life filled with exceptional athleticism, brotherhood, friendship and love.
While America was convulsed following the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King, Chester was central to the move of Black American football into the mainstream. From his college glory at Morgan State to his iconic moments on the NFL field, Chester's story is one of resilience and triumph which resonates far beyond the world of sport.
This inspiring account of an American sporting hero and his extraordinary impact on society is entrusted to his close friend, author and rugby fan Jon Gower, revealed through extensive interviews taking place from Wales to the US. Raider is the story of a true team player, one musician in a band of brothers who played their own wild tune on the football field, in a life filled with exceptional athleticism, brotherhood, friendship and love.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
University of Wales Press
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
Not illustrated
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 135 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
426 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-915279-94-1 (9781915279941)
DOI
10.1234/b11894
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jon Gower is a former BBC Wales arts and media correspondent who has over 40 books to his name. These include The Story of Wales, which accompanied a landmark TV series, the travelogue An Island Called Smith and Y Storwr which won the Wales Book of the Year. His latest book is The Turning Tide: A Biography of the Irish Sea.
Content
Foreword: A Band of Brothers, by Raymond Chester
Part one - - 1968
1. Morgan State vs Grambling
2. The big day approaches
3. From half-time to victory
Interlude: Balance
Part Two - - 1948-68
4. High School Days
5. Morgan State
6. Family Life
Interlude: Speed
Part Three - NFL Career - 1968-1980
7. On Being a Raider
8. Playing for the Colts (or five years' hard labour.)
9. Interlude: Injuries
Part four: Superbowl Champion, 1980
10. Winning the Championship
Part five - Life After the NFL
11. The Invaders and the USFL
12. A Small White Ball and a Fishing Rod
Interlude: Matters of faith
Conclusion: Looking back
Appendix A: A timeline of Raymond Chester's career
Appendix B: A brief introduction to American football
Appendix C: The Raiders: Raymond's recollections of his fellow players
Bibliography
Part one - - 1968
1. Morgan State vs Grambling
2. The big day approaches
3. From half-time to victory
Interlude: Balance
Part Two - - 1948-68
4. High School Days
5. Morgan State
6. Family Life
Interlude: Speed
Part Three - NFL Career - 1968-1980
7. On Being a Raider
8. Playing for the Colts (or five years' hard labour.)
9. Interlude: Injuries
Part four: Superbowl Champion, 1980
10. Winning the Championship
Part five - Life After the NFL
11. The Invaders and the USFL
12. A Small White Ball and a Fishing Rod
Interlude: Matters of faith
Conclusion: Looking back
Appendix A: A timeline of Raymond Chester's career
Appendix B: A brief introduction to American football
Appendix C: The Raiders: Raymond's recollections of his fellow players
Bibliography