Jim Otto, Oakland Raiders Football Center and NFL Hall of Famer, Dead at 86

Jim Otto, the Hall of Fame football center best known for playing for the Oakland Raiders, has died. He was 86 years old.

The news of his death was confirmed on Sunday, May 19 by the Las Vegas Raiders – the NFL organization formerly known as the Oakland Raiders – who noted that the longtime player “was known to many as ‘Mr. Raider.’ ”

“The Raiders family is in deep mourning following the passing of Jim Ott … The Original Raider,” the franchise said in a statement. “The epitome of consistency, Jim’s impact on the American Football League and professional football as a whole cannot be overstated.”

The cause of his death has not been revealed.

Jim Otto in 1962.

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According to ABC News, Otto played for the Oakland Raiders for 15 seasons, from 1960 until his retirement from the NFL after the 1974 season. During that time, he played in 210 consecutive regular season games and 223 games including the playoffs.

He was also an AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl 12 times and had 10 All-Pro selections before entering the Hall of Fame in 1980.

According to the Las Vegas Raiders, “His leadership and tenacity were hallmarks of the dominant Raider teams of the 1960s and ’70s, and his ferocious work ethic and talent enabled him to start a remarkable 210 consecutive major league games for the Oakland Raiders.”

“Considered too small coming out of the University of Miami, Jim made the first touchdown in franchise history and was selected as an AFL All-Star center throughout the league’s existence. One of only 20 players to play in every season of the American Football League , was named the starting center on the AFL’s All-Time Team and was selected to the 2019 NFL 100th Anniversary Team,” the team added.

Jim Otto of the Oakland Raiders in 1970.

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During his illustrious career, ABC News reported that Otto underwent over 70 surgeries and suffered more than 20 concussions. Additionally, “In 2007 he had to have his right leg amputated above the knee after two life-threatening infections. He also had prostate cancer.”

“I know I went to war and I came out of the battle with what I got, and that’s the way it is,” Otto said of his injuries during a 2017 PBS special Front linethey mentioned from the bar.

In a 2009 interview with Bleacher Report, Otto said, “There’s something inside of you that says, ‘I want to go out there and prove my worth.’ Most of the time you will get injured. Some people need a challenge in life, and they played hockey or rugby.

Jim Otto in 1974.

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“Off the grid, Jim was a successful businessman and remained an important part of the Raiders organization, serving as the executive team and providing a constant presence at games and events,” the Las Vegas Raiders wrote, noting that “Jim was a man whose words and deeds embodied are the motto ‘Commitment to Excellence’.

“Rip Jim Otto. An absolute legend and an amazing person,” Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Maxx Crosby wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

According to the team, Otto is survived by “his wife Sally, his son Jim Jr. and his wife Leah, and 14 grandchildren.”

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Source: HIS Education