Bill Pickel was a professional football player who played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on February 6, 1962, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and attended the University of Rutgers, where he played college football.
Pickel was selected by the Los Angeles Raiders in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played for the Raiders for four seasons, from 1983 to 1986, and was a key member of their defense. He helped the team win Super Bowl XVIII in 1984, where he recorded a sack and a fumble recovery.
In 1987, Pickel was traded to the New York Jets, where he played for three seasons. He continued to be a dominant force on the defensive line, recording 7.5 sacks in 1988 and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1989.
After his time with the Jets, Pickel played for the Green Bay Packers for two seasons, from 1990 to 1991. He then played for the Kansas City Chiefs for two seasons, from 1992 to 1993, before finishing his career with the Oakland Raiders in 1994.
Throughout his career, Pickel was known for his toughness and tenacity on the field. He was a fierce pass rusher and a strong run defender, and he was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
After retiring from football, Pickel worked as a financial advisor and also coached high school football. He passed away on December 5, 2019, at the age of 57.
Overall, Bill Pickel had a successful career in the NFL, playing for five different teams and earning a reputation as one of the league's top defensive tackles. He was a key contributor to several playoff teams and helped the Raiders win a Super Bowl championship. His legacy as a tough and talented player will be remembered by football fans for years to come.
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