Pro Football Hall of Fame center Jim Otto, known as “Mr. Raider,” has died, the Las Vegas Raiders announced Sunday. He was 86 years old.
The Raiders released a statement about X, but the cause of death was not immediately determined.
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Jim Otto will lead the offensive line for the Oakland Raiders. (MediaNews Group/Oakland Tribune via Getty Images)
“The original Raider,” the team said. “The embodiment of consistency, Jim’s impact on the American Football League and professional football as a whole cannot be overstated. His leadership and tenacity were instrumental in the dominant His ferocious work ethic and talent made him possible.” It was the start of an incredible 210-game streak for the Oakland Raiders.
“When he graduated from the University of Miami, Jim was considered undersized, but he handled the first snaps in franchise history and went on to be named an AFL All-Star center throughout the league’s existence. Only 20 players played in each league. He was selected as a starting center on the AFL All-Time Team for the 2019 American Football League season and was selected to the NFL Centennial Team in 2019. Jim, known to many as “Mr. Raider,” went pro. He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1980, his first year of eligibility. ”
Otto never missed a game due to injury. Despite undergoing nine knee surgeries during his career, he played in 210 consecutive regular season games and 308 consecutive games total. His right leg was amputated in 2007.
Oakland Raiders center Jim Otto, No. 00, photographed on the sideline during an NFL football game at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California in the late 1960s. (Focus on Sports/Getty Images)
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He is thought to have undergone 50 surgeries, most of which were due to football-related injuries. The surgery treated multiple joint replacements, arthritis, and back and neck problems.
Otto also battled prostate cancer and two major infections during his career.
He was a 12-time Pro Bowler, 10-time All-Pro, and one-time AFL Champion. He played his final season alongside fellow Hall of Famers Gene Upshaw and Art Shell.
“Rest in peace Jim Otto. An absolute legend and an incredible person,” Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby wrote in X.
NFL Hall of Famer Jim Otto smiles before an NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers on September 24, 2023 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
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Otto is survived by his wife Sally, son Jim Jr., daughter-in-law Leah, and 14 grandchildren.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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