Captains Dalby, Jensen Dropped by the Raiders

The Raiders cut their roster to 60 the hard way Tuesday, dropping two team captains: Dave Dalby, one of only three starting centers the club has ever had, and Derrick Jensen, whose blocked punt in Super Bowl XVIII started the rout of the Redskins in January of 1984.

Dalby, 36, a fourth-round draft choice from UCLA in 1972, was the offensive captain, having taken over at center for Hall of Fame member Jim Otto in 1976, then holding the position until the third game of last season when Don Mosebar moved in.

Jensen, 30, a third-round pick from Texas Arlington in 1978, played tight end, fullback or wingback but was best known for his play on the special teams he captained. His career has been described as “eight years on the bubble,” but he was one of the most popular Raiders and a team leader.

“Obviously, that’s a hard thing to do,” Coach Tom Flores said. “I have to be honest: When you’re in this business long enough, there is some unpleasantness. This is part of it. A guy who’s given you 14 years of his life, helped you win three Super Bowls, only the second center in the history of the franchise, it’s sad.

“It’s sad telling somebody like Dave. He’s been such a great leader, such a great Raider. He took it like a pro. Dave is just a class guy. I admire him and respect him.

“The same thing with Derrick. Whatever we asked him to do, he did. He’s played just about every position and played hard--and we’ll miss him.”

Jensen wasn’t surprised. He saw it coming and went out laughing, or as close as he could come to it.

“Kingdoms have fallen in less time than three years,” he said, smiling, of the trip from Super Bowl XVIII to Tuesday. “So I’m doing pretty good in that aspect.

“I’m going back to Texas. My real estate license is back there. I’m just hoping some opportunities open up, or I’ll create some.

“I do want to say it’s been my pleasure to be part of this organization for eight years. I can’t imagine a better situation. This is a plus, something I’ll always have and always cherish.

“Most guys realize this is a year-to-year business. For some it’s game-to-game. I have no regrets. The important thing was to be part of that Super Bowl team. It’s been fun. It’s been great.

“I hope I’m a lot more than a one-dimensional person. The Mavericks (Dallas’ National Basketball Assn. team) are looking for tall guys. Maybe I could get on a good stretching program,” he said, smiling.

Dalby might have seen it coming, too. He didn’t play last Saturday, and rookie Bill Lewis was the center on the No. 2 line. Dalby, however, asked to wait a day before talking to writers.

Raider Notes

No. 1 draft choice Bob Buczkowski underwent minor back surgery under local anesthetic for removal of some fatty globules near his backbone. The Raiders are still hoping to avoid major, season-ending, back surgery. . . . Marc Wilson missed practice again with a sore right wrist. Lester Hayes missed his second with an abscessed tooth. Both are questionable for Friday night’s Coliseum exhibition against New England. . . . Cliff Branch, who has a hamstring pull, was put on injured reserve again. There had been speculation he would retire but he is a long-time favorite of Al Davis. If Branch stays on injured reserve during the season, he will get paid as he did last season. . . . The other cuts: Former 49er Earl Cooper; No. 5 draft pick Doug Marrone, a tackle who was impressive in mini-camps but flamed out here; No. 12 wide receiver Larry Shepherd, and free agents Brian O’Neill, a nose tackle, and Vince Abbott, a placekicker from Cal State Fullerton. Wide receiver Brad Tubbs, who sprained an ankle in a motorcycle accident last weekend was put on the non-football injury list.