NFL World Mourns the Loss Of Jim Otto Passed Away At 86
He’s famous for his 00 jersey number, but also for so much more. He epitomized what it meant to be tough, gritty, and hard-nosed. That’s why the NFL world mourns the loss of “Mr. Raider”, Jim Otto, who passed away at 86 years of age. Players like Otto sacrificed their bodies every week for the love of the game. Otto is credited with helping to build the Raiders bad boys persona, the pirates of the league.
Otto had the honor of snapping the first snap in the Raiders franchise history. In the 60’s and 70’s he was foundational to the Raiders dominant offensive line. He went on to be named the AFL’s All-Star center for the entirety of the league’s existence. He was one of only 20 players to play in every season of the American Football League. And he was named the starting center on the AFL All-Time Team and was selected to the NFL’s 100th Anniversary Team in 2019.
Otto became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 1980, his first year of eligibility. Here is a statement from the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
“Jim Otto personified the aura and mystique of the Raiders. He was ‘The Original Raider,’ leading a new franchise from its inception into its first run of glory years from the late 1960s into the 1970s,” Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said. “His legendary reliability — with 210 consecutive starts in the AFL and NFL — and the accolades he acquired serve as a testament to his dedication to the organization and the game.
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame will guard his legacy with the same diligence and tenacity that he guarded his teammates.”
NFL World Mourns the Loss Of Jim Otto Passed Away At 86
In addition to his contributions on the field, he was also a successful businessman. He continued to be a part of the Raiders organization, serving as a team executive. And he was consistently present at Raiders’ games and events. A presence that will be missed by all of Raider Nation.
Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica called Otto “a real warrior, the greatest center who ever played.” And his style of play will never be replicated. Especially with the league rules that now exist for player safety. Otto was part of the “old school” and his contributions to the game will live on. Our condolences to his wife, children and 14 grandchildren.
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