Funny Rich Gannon Story

[Raiders Army]

From the Oakland Tribune

http://www.oaklandtribune.com/Storie...224454,00.html

He wants to prove to those who question his arm strength that he's capable of the medium- to long-range touch throws necessary in coach Norv Turner's offense, and promises there will be no corresponding increase in interceptions.

Gannon's contention in a Sports Illustrated article that he threw all the same routes as Manning during Pro Bowl practices brought to mind a practical joke orchestrated by Gruden in Honolulu after the 2000 season.

Every time Manning threw a deep cross, Gruden told the support staff to respond with "oohs" and "aahs." When Gannon matched him pass for pass, they were to remain silent.

When Manning finally missed a throw, Gannon stormed to the sideline and yelled at the gawkers, "There! What do you think of that throw?"

"That's part of the training of Rich Gannon," Gruden said later. "You try to get to him a little bit, try to thicken that skin with a little levity once in a while."

Gannon, to his credit, got a chuckle out of the whole thing, although it's doubtful his skin has gotten any thicker.