Part 5/10:
Tatum quickly made his mark in the NFL. Known for his explosive style of play, he became a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense, a team known more for its offensive prowess at the time. His hits on the field were memorable, and he earned the moniker “The Assassin” from sports journalists who noted his intimidating presence long before the violent collision against Stingley.
While Tatum's aggressiveness contributed to numerous victories, including a standout role in Super Bowl XI, it would ultimately lead to one of the most fateful moments of his life during a preseason game in 1978. The incident with Stingley forever altered the course of both players’ lives and left an indelible mark on NFL history.