89 days to Miami football: Ted Hendricks first UM superstar defender
Ted Hendricks was the first superstar the Miami football program had on defense. Hendricks is the only three-time all-American and first Heisman finalist the Hurricanes had on defense.
Ted Hendricks grew up in Hialeah and became a standout defensive end for the Miami football program from 1966-68. Hendricks was an All-American in 1967 and ’68 and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1968. With 327 career tackles, Hendricks is the Miami all-time leader for defensive linemen.
During his career with Miami, Hendricks was given the nickname the Mad Stork because of his lanky 6’7, 220-pound frame. As a senior in 1968, Hendricks was the first Miami defensive player to receive votes in the Heisman Trophy, finishing fifth.
Long before hybrid positions became common in football, Hendricks practically revolutionized the sport playing defensive end and linebacker. Hendricks is the only player in Miami football history inducted into the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame to also have his number retired by the Hurricanes.
Following his collegiate career, Hendricks was the 33rd overall pick of the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. Hendricks won Superbowl V with the Colts and XI, XV and XVIII with the Raiders. Hendricks was NFL First-team all 1970s and 1980s, a four-time first-team all-pro and eight-time pro-bowler.
The four
Hendricks had are tied for the most in NFL history. Hendricks did not miss a game during his NFL career. A
1980 University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame inductee
,1987 College Football Hall of Fame inductee and 1990 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Hendricks Miami number was retired in 1997.
When you watch Greg Rousseau play this season in what will likely be his last at Miami, think of Hendricks. Their body frames and the disruption they can cause on the field with the length, strength and athleticism are unique. Hendricks is considered by many to be the best kick and punt blocker in NFL History.
Hendricks blocked ten punts which is the second-most in NFL history and 14 field goals and extra-points which are tied for first with fellow Hall of Famer with Bubba Smith. Hendricks’ seven combined blocked kicks in 1974 is considered to be the unofficial NFL record.
Beginning in 1992, an award honoring the best defensive end in the country was named in Hendricks honor. The first recipient was Terrell Suggs of Arizona State who also began his career in Baltimore. Suggs spent all but the 2019 season with the Ravens. A Miami player has not won the Hendricks Award.
Next. 90 Days to Miami football: Kenny Holmes sack machine. dark
Rousseau or Temple Graduate transfer Quincy Roche will have an opportunity to change that in 2020. With 15.5 sacks in 2019, Rousseau leads all returnees nationally. Roche had 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks to earn the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year with Temple in 2019.