Total Pro Sports
Former Las Vegas player Rich Stephens has passed away at the age of 60, with his cause of death still unknown.
The former offensive lineman was the subject of a heartbreaking announcement from the team on Monday afternoon as they expressed sadness at his passing, extending sympathies to his family.
Stephens was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1989 but played all of his 29 games in the NFL with the Raiders, who played in Los Angeles at the time. He started two games for the team, with which he spent his entire career in the pros.
“The Raiders family is mourning the passing of Rich Stephens, who played in two seasons with the Silver and Black,” the team statement reads.
The Raiders outlined Stephens’ time with them before stating that, “The thoughts of the entire Raider Nation are with Rich’s family at this time.”
Rich Stephens, drafted out of Tulsa, played 16 games with the Raiders in 1993, making one start. He started another game in the 1995 season, appearing in 13 total.
Stephens helped the Raiders make the playoffs in 1993, their last season in Los Angeles. They beat the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round and lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional round.
He played his last season in the league in 1995, the first campaign of the Raiders’ return to Oakland, missing the playoffs after an 8-8 finish.
“RIP to my former teammate Rich Stephens. He was such a great teammate and such a good guy. Always with a kind word and a heartfelt hug. Taken from us way too soon.” Nolan said.
Stephens’ cause of death remains undisclosed at the time of writing.
Our thoughts go out to his family during this time of sadness.
May he rest in peace.
