Todd Christensen Dead: NFL Oakland Raiders legend dies during surgery at 57, Twitter fans offer condolences

Several reports confirm that former NFL superstar Todd Christensen died during a routine surgery on Wednesday, November 13. The popular CBS Sports Network broadcaster was 57-years-old.

According to TMZ, Christensen passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah early Wednesday morning due to complications while undergoing a surgical procedure. It remains unclear what Christensen was being treated for, although he battled liver disease and other illnesses throughout recent years. Stay tuned with Mstars as the story develops.

After playing football at Brigham Young University in Utah, Christensen was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1978. He played a very short stint with the New York Giants, and then continued his successful athletic career with the Oakland Raiders as a tight end where he played in five Pro Bowls. According to statistics:

In his career, Christensen caught 461 passes for 5,872 yards and 41 touchdowns. In eight postseason games, he caught 31 balls for 358 yards and only one touchdown. He led the league in receptions twice, and his 349 receptions from 1983-86 were an NFL record.

Several fans have since offered their condolences on Twitter:

@BYUcougars: "Former #BYU TE Todd Christensen passed away this morning due to complications from surgery. Our love & prayers are w/the Christensen family."

@peteyorn: "Sad day for the #raidernation RIP Tood Christensen."

@BYUfootball: "Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to the family of Todd Christensen. Great player, great guy."

@Espngreeny: "Todd Christensen was a smart, funny man as well as a terrific football player. Much too young. #RIP."

@violator57: "RIP todd Christensen... we've lost another RAIDER great. Condolences go out to the family."

@AviatorMario: "Farewell to No. 46, the gentleman-athlete Todd Christensen of the Oakland Raiders. A fierce and cerebral competitor, of grace and skill."

@ErikEKunzelman: "The Raider Nation takes another hit. R.I.P. Todd Christensen. He was a thoughtful man with epic hands. #silverandblack."

Thoughts and condolences go out to Christensen's family, friends, fans, and former teammated during this tragic time.