Voting Station

Rolf Benirschke

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Football Player

The Resume

    (February 7, 1955- )
    Born in Boston, Massachusetts
    Middle name is Joachim
    Placekicker for the San Diego Chargers (1978-86)
    Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 12th round of the 1977 NFL Draft
    Attended the University of California, Davis
    Author of the book 'Alive and Kicking!' (1996)

Why he might be annoying:

    He majored in zoology in college.
    His surname is difficult to pronounce.
    He tried unsuccessfully to start a television career after his football career ended.
    He hosted the daytime version of Wheel of Fortune for six months after Pat Sajak left to host his own ill-fated late night talk show.
    He gave a thumbs-up sign to Denver Broncos kicker Rich Karlis before a field goal that defeated the Chargers, prompting a meeting with San Diego owner Alex Spanos over his team loyalties.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in the off-season before the 1978 season.
    He underwent two surgeries to remove his large intestine and he was in the intensive care unit for weeks.
    He made his dramatic return to the Chargers in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which he was named Honorary Captain - the game was a sellout and they won 35 - 7 (November 18, 1979).
    He played seven more seasons with the team before retiring in 1987 as the team's all-time leader in points scored (766).
    The phrase 'It's not what you become, it's what you overcome' was first coined in his autobiography.
    He started the endangered animals charity, 'Kicks for Critters.'
    He is the national spokesman for the Crohn's-Colitis Foundation of America and for Hepatitis C awareness.

Credit: BoyWiththeGreenHair


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 12 Votes: 58.33% Annoying