Editing Ted Hendricks (section)

===Baltimore Colts===
Hendricks began his pro football career as a second-round pick of the [[History of the Baltimore Colts|Baltimore Colts]] in the [[1969 NFL/AFL draft]].<ref name=":0" /> He was initially listed as a [[defensive end]], which is why he had the unusual number (for a linebacker) of 83. After coach [[Don Shula]] converted him to linebacker,<ref name=":0" /> he entered the [[starting lineup]] in the sixth game of his rookie [[1969 Baltimore Colts season|1969 season]], the beginning of 69 consecutive starts with the Colts.<ref name="storkbalgbp">[https://www.nytimes.com/1974/08/14/archives/colts-hendricks-sent-to-packers.html "Colts' Hendricks Sent to Packers," ''The Associated Press'' (AP), Tuesday, August 13, 1974.] Retrieved October 27, 2020</ref> He made 32 tackles and 2 sacks on the [[quarterback]]<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Ted Hendricks Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HendTe00.htm |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> and knocked down 2 passes and blocked a [[Field goal (football)|field goal]] (the first of 25 blocked kicks<ref name=":1" /> in his career).{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

He played a key role in the Colts' [[1970 Baltimore Colts season|1970]] [[Super Bowl V]]-winning season. He was the starting strong-side linebacker and recorded 67 tackles and 1-1/2 sacks while [[Interception|intercepting]] a pass. He also recorded 2 blocked kicks and knocked down 5 passes.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} He had the key sack of Oakland Raiders quarterback [[Daryle Lamonica]] in the AFC Championship Game, leading the Colts toward the Super Bowl.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=LaMarre |first=Tom |date=2023-04-22 |title=LB Hendricks Legacy is One of the All-Time Best |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/the-black-hole-plus/raiders-ted-hendricks-john-madden-al-davis |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=Las Vegas Raiders On SI |language=en-US}}</ref> He and fellow linebackers [[Mike Curtis (American football)|Mike Curtis]] and [[Ray May]] anchored a unit that was one of the NFL's best in defending against the run; which was 102.8 yards per game&nbsp;– 6th in the NFL, and allowing only 6 rushing touchdowns all season (tied with the Los Angeles Rams for second in the NFL).<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=1970 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1970/opp.htm#all_rushing |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> They allowed only 234 points, 7th in the NFL.<ref name=":11" />

He was chosen to the first of four All-Pro selections in 1971 by the [[Associated Press]] (AP), [[Pro Football Writers of America]], the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] (NEA), and [[Pro Football Weekly]].<ref name=":12" /> He had 63 tackles and picked off 5 passes<ref name=":12" /> while batting away 7 passes. He also recorded 5 sacks<ref name=":12" /> and blocked 2 more kicks.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} He returned a fumble 31 yards for a touchdown.<ref name=":10" /> The Colts defense was ranked #1 in the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed and lowest rushing attempt.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1971 Baltimore Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/1971.htm |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Colts made the playoffs but did not advance to the Super Bowl, losing to the [[Miami Dolphins]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - Baltimore Colts at Miami Dolphins - January 2nd, 1972 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197201020mia.htm |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 1972 Hendricks recorded 99 tackles, 6 sacks,<ref name=":12" /> knocked down 7 passes, intercepted two passes<ref name=":12" /> and blocked 2 field goals. The following season Hendricks made 86 tackles and 4 sacks<ref name=":12" /> (bringing his Colt total to 18-1/2)<ref name=":10" /> and picked off 3 passes<ref name=":12" /> (making his Colt total 11)<ref name=":10" /> for 33 yards, while batting away 7 passes for the third consecutive season and blocking a punt. He was named second-team All-Pro in both 1972 and 1973 by the NEA,<ref name=":12" /> first team All-Conference both years by the AP, and [[United Press International]] (UPI) named him first team All-Conference in 1972 and second team All-Conference in 1973.<ref name=":12" /> In his Colts career, Hendricks intercepted 11 passes, had five fumble recoveries (including one for a touchdown), and unofficially had 347 tackles and 18½ sacks.<ref name=":10" />{{BLP sources|date=November 2024}}He played out his option with the Colts who then traded him to the Packers.<ref name="storkbalgbp"/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Harvin |first=Al |date=August 8, 1975 |title=People in Sports |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/08/08/archives/people-in-sports-hendricks-signs-for-3-years-with-raiders.html |work=New York Times}}</ref>