“American Gladiators” former host Todd Christensen, who played tight end for the Los Angeles Raiders, died this week. He was 57.
Christensen died due to complications of surgery on Wednesday, reported the Salt Lake Tribune.
He died in Salt Lake City, according to the paper. He battled liver disease and other health problems over the past few years.
“Former #BYU TE Todd Christensen passed away this morning due to complications from surgery. Our love & prayers are w/the Christensen family,” reads a tweet from BYU, his alma mater. He was a running back for the BYU Cougars.
He played in the NFL for 11 years, winning two Super Bowls with the Los Angeles Raiders. He also played for the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys.
Later, he took up broadcasting jobs with ESPN, NBC, and CBS.
He also hosted “American Gladiators” in 1990. He also played character Travis James on “Married with Children” in 1994.
“When people think about the Raider image, I don’t come to mind. I’m not a wild guy, a renegade, a macho man,” he told Sports Illustrated in 1987, according to USA Today, speaking about playing for the Raiders.
He added: “Eugene, Oregon, doesn’t exactly make you a street guy. ... I’m tough in a competitive football situation, but I’m not a tough guy. I want to win, and I’m an individual. Does that make sense?”
