A gripping portrait of an American football legend whose impact stretched far beyond the game.From the electrifying fields of Morgan State to the roaring stadiums of the NFL, Raymond Chester’s journey is one of triumph and resilience. As America reeled in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Chester was at the forefront of Black athletes breaking into the mainstream, reshaping the face of professional American football.
Raiderbrings his extraordinary story to life through extensive conversations with Welsh author and rugby fan Jon Gower, offering a rare, intimate look at the man behind the legend. More than just a chronicle of athletic greatness, this book is a testament to Chester’s lasting influence—on the game, on representation, and on generations to come.
A must-read for sports fans everywhere,
Raideris both a celebration of an icon and a heartfelt tribute from Wales to one of football’s true pioneers.
Jon Goweris a former BBC Wales arts and media correspondent and the author of over forty books. His works include
The Story of Walesand
Y Storïwr.
Authors Preface
Foreword: A Band of Brothers, by Raymond Chester
Part One: Game Changer 1968
1. The Grambling versus Morgan Invitational Football Classic
2. The big day approaches
3. Half time
Interlude: Balance
Part Two: How a Legend Is Born (and Brought Up) 194869
4. Family Life
5. High School Days
6. Morgan State
Interlude: Impact
Part Three: NFL Career 19701981
7. On Being a Raider
8. Playing for the Colts (or Five Years Hard Labour)
Interlude: Injuries
9. A Raider Again
10. Winning the Championship: The Super Bowl XV
Interlude: Speed