Legendary Raiders center Jim Otto, a Hall of Famer, dies at 86

Jim Otto played 15 seasons with the Oakland Raiders and won the AFL in 1967.

Legendary Raiders center Jim Otto, a Hall of Famer, dies at 86

Former Oakland Raiders center Jim Otto (Image via IMAGO)

Former Oakland Raiders center Jim Otto passed away on Sunday. He was 86 years old.

Considered the ‘original raider’, Otto spent 14 years with the Oakland team. He was one of the 20 people to play in every season of the AFL (American Football League). During his tenure, he appeared in 210 consecutive league games (AFL and later in the NFL after the merger). 

According to the Raiders website, Otto was considered small in build, considering the position. However, he was a beast and played the game with heart. He was the last of the football players to wear the 00 jersey.

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'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 team said in a statement, in part.
the Raiders website wrote

Jim Otto was nicknamed ‘Mr. Raider.’ He won the AFL title in 1967, and he played in six AFL or AFC title games.

Jim Otto’s life on and off the gridiron

Despite his retirement from football, Otto always had the Raiders back. He became a member of AL Davis‘ team and led the team from the shadows. 

Legendary Raiders center Jim Otto, a Hall of Famer, dies at 86
Jim Otto (Via Imago)

In an interview with Bleacher Report back in 2009 per ESPN, Otto revealed that being a football player felt like donning the armor of a gladiator.

I've often looked at being a football player as being a gladiator. Here's something inside of you that says, 'I want to go out there and prove my worth.' Most of the time, you're going to get injured. That's the life you choose. Some people need a challenge in life, and they play hockey or rugby. Football was the way I could prove myself.
Jim Otto said

He was a nine-time All-AFL, one-time first-team, and second-team AFL, and made it to the Pro Bowl on three occasions. The NFL included Jim Otto on the 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

His body started to deteriorate after his retirement. ESPN reported that he had to undergo more than 70 surgeries and even had to amputate his left leg back in 2007.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted Jim Otto in 1980, his first year eligible for the prestigious title. He leaves behind his wife Sally, his son Jim Jr., and his wife Leah, along with 14 grandchildren.

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