Hall of Fame offensive lineman and Raiders legend Jim Otto has passed away. Otto was 86 years old. The team has confirmed the news.
“The personification of consistency, Jim’s influence on the American Football League and professional football as a whole cannot be overstated,” the Raiders said in a statement. “His leadership and tenacity were a hallmark of the dominant Raider teams of the 1960s and 70s, and his ferocious work ethic and talent enabled him to start a remarkable 210 consecutive league games for the Oakland Raiders.”
Otto joined the franchise for their inaugural season in 1960 and proceeded to appear in every game for the organization over the next 15 years. The center earned nine AFL All-Pro nods through his first 10 professional seasons, including a 1967 campaign where the Raiders won the AFL Championship. Otto was one of three players to appear in every AFL game through the league’s 10-year existence.
“Mr. Raider” quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier offensive linemen following the merger in 1970, with Otto earning three Pro Bowl selections in his five seasons in the league. The Miami (FL) product finished his professional career in 1974 after having appeared in 210 regular season contests.
Otto was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1980. He also continued to have a presence with the Raiders organization, even following their move to Las Vegas in 2020. As The Associated Press notes, Otto was most recently seen in the team’s locker room following their 2023 season finale.
Widely known for the ’00’ on his jersey, Otto “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,” as the team wrote in their statement.
We here at PFR would like to extend our condolences to Otto’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Another NFL legend gone…RIP.
Jim Otto was a legend of the American Football League. The Raiders are one of the teams that embrace their AFL legacy.
Don’t make em like that anymore. RIP
One of the best centers of all time. Would be wrong to say that Otto was the first great Raider, of what soon became a lengthy lineage of legends?
True warrior. Was an Iron Man in Football which is saying something. Any OL would be proud to be compared to Jim Otto. Can’t think of any higher praise. RIP Big Guy.
I think that consecutive game record is remarkable because back in the 60s there were no restrictions on defensive players beating the crap out of opponents like there is today. RIP Jim.
Those were the good old days. Upshaw, Shell & Otto up front is insane. I’d watch LaMonica sit back there with 5+ seconds to pass. The O-line would be sitting on top of guys.