Jim Otto, who played center for the Oakland Raiders from 1960-74, died at 86.
Per the team’s website:
“00” was the foundational piece of a transcendent offensive line that not only propelled the Raiders to success on the field but resonated with fans and helped build the Raiders persona and mystique.
“The Raiders Family is in deep mourning following the passing of Jim Otto…The Original Raider,” the club said in a statement. “The personification of consistency, Jim’s influence on the American Football League and professional football as a whole cannot be overstated. His leadership and tenacity were a hallmark of the dominant Raider teams of the 1960s and 70s.”
Otto wore No. 50 as a rookie before switching to what became his trademark “00.”
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 20, 2024
He was known to many as “Mr. Raider,” and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980, his first year of eligibility.
He played college ball at Miami (FL) as a center and linebacker. Otto was not drafted and his original rights belonged to what was going to be the Minnesota franchise in the AFL.
When that franchise failed to come to fruition, Otto’s rights went to the Oakland Raiders. He made the first snap for the Raiders and started every game from 1960-74 as their center.
Team owner Mark Davis lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch at Allegiant Stadium.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 20, 2024
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 20, 2024
Rip Jim Otto. Absolute Legend & Incredible Person. 🙏🏼🏴☠️
— 🦅MaddMaxx🦅 (@CrosbyMaxx) May 20, 2024
Rest In Peace to the first ever draft pick of the Oakland Raiders, #JimOtto. Jim became the face of the Oakland Raiders. HIS attitude became the attitude of the Raiders. He was our leader. The result was the team that we all know and love. RIP Pops. @Raiders #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/qp9nUyx8W0
— VILLAPIANO (@Villapiano41) May 20, 2024
RIP to Jim Otto AKA “Mr. Raider” or “Double O”, one of the greatest players in NFL history:
-15-year pro career (started all 210 games)
-12x Pro Bowl
-10x All-Pro
-1967 AFL Champ
-Hall of Fame Class of 1980
-Played in 6 AFL or AFC Championship Games pic.twitter.com/NZMEQRIDa6— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) May 20, 2024
