Renowned Oakland Raiders’ center, Jim Otto, passed away at the age of 86 as announced by the team on Sunday evening, May 19. The cause of his death was not disclosed.
Otto, known for his “00” jersey, was a pivotal figure in the Raiders’ line-up from their first season in the American Football League (AFL) in 1960 until 1974. His record of playing 210 consecutive games is an embodiment of his steadfastness and commitment. During his tenure with the Raiders, he garnered nine First-Team All-AFL honors and three Pro Bowl selections following the AFL-NFL merger.
In a 2009 media interaction, Otto compared being a football player to being a gladiator. He said, “There’s an internal drive that compels you to prove your worth on the field. Injuries are part of the territory, but that’s your chosen path. Some find their challenges in sports like hockey or rugby, but for me, football was the ultimate test.”
Otto’s dedication to football was not just reflected in his on-field performance, but also in his ability to overcome numerous injuries. Over his career, he went through more than 50 surgeries, including multiple knee operations and the amputation of his right leg in 2007. Despite these hurdles, Otto stayed involved with the Raiders, serving as the team’s director of special projects even after their relocation to Las Vegas in 2020.
According to Raiders Hall of Fame coach John Madden, Otto’s skills as a center were unparalleled. “He was the type of player who never wanted to leave practice, unlike most starters who would often say, ‘Let the backup take over.’”
Otto’s contributions to the game were widely acknowledged. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980, his first year of eligibility. During his induction, the late Raiders owner Al Davis remarked, “Jim Otto exemplified a commitment to excellence, pride, and poise. For over a decade, he set the standard of excellence by which all professional football centers were measured.”
In a 2013 interview, Otto reflected, “I’m not someone who seeks pity. I’ll do whatever it takes to live, even fight if necessary. Since my leg amputation, I’ve accomplished much, including traveling to the Arctic Circle and visiting various places. I enjoy hunting.”
His impact was felt beyond the playing field. Raiders linebacker Phil Villapiano recalled in a 2022 interview, “I saw him bleed in every game. His helmet never seemed to fit right, smashing down on his nose. He’d be bleeding every game, and players on the other team would be shocked, wondering, ‘What is with this guy?!’”
Jim Otto’s survived by his wife, Sally, his son, Jim Jr., and 14 grandchildren. His legacy as an emblem of toughness and dedication continues to inspire Raiders fans and the larger football community.
