The Oakland Raider teams of the 1970s hit hard, played hard and lived hard. For many Raider fans, the man who embodied the franchise's unique spirit was linebacker Phil Villapiano, an undersized, under-appreciated draft pick out of Bowling Green who smashed his way into the starting lineup as a rookie and helped anchor one of the great defenses in history.

One of the fastest linebackers of his era, Phil specialized in making big plays,none bigger than his momentum-changing goal-line tackle against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. All-NFL in 1975 and 1976, and All-AFC from 1972-76, Phil also played in four Pro Bowls during his 13-year career. Upon retiring, Phil returned home to the New Jersey shore, where he eventually became involved with fund-raising efforts for ALS research and victims of the disease. Not surprisingly, he attacks this part of his life the same way he used to go after opposing running backs and quarterbacks.

Phillip James Villapiano was born on February 26, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey, to Dorothy and Gus Villapiano. Phil's brother, Gus, Jr., was two years older; another brother, John, was two years younger. Their sister, Carolee, was the youngest sibling. When Phil was growing up, his father was the Athletic Director at Asbury High in Asbury Park. Gus was a former college football star. He lettered for three years at DePauw University in the mid-1930s, where he was a member of Frank Mundy's impenetrable defense.

"When you play for the Raiders you play to win and you play tough. It's not something the coaches teach or talk about. It's just there, like in the air. It's an attitude--you are going to hit people and smash them if you are a Raider."

- Phil Villapiano