Jim Otto, the legendary center who anchored the Oakland Raiders’ offensive line for 15 seasons, has died at 86. The team announced his passing on Sunday night, though no cause of death was given.
Otto was an original Raider, renowned for his durability and distinctive “00” jersey. He joined the team in its inaugural season in the American Football League (AFL) in 1960 and played continuously until 1974. His record of 210 consecutive games remains a testament to his resilience and dedication. Otto’s career spanned a significant period of the Raiders’ history, during which he earned nine First-Team All-AFL honors and was selected for the Pro Bowl three times after the AFL-NFL merger.
Reflecting on his career, Otto once told the media in 2009, “I’ve often looked at being a football player as being a gladiator. “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 extraordinary commitment to the game was evident not only in his performance but also in his perseverance through numerous injuries. Over his career, he underwent more than 50 surgeries, including multiple knee operations and, ultimately, the amputation of his right leg in 2007. Despite these challenges, Otto remained involved with the Raiders, even after their move to Las Vegas in 2020, serving as the team’s director of special projects.
His toughness on the field was legendary. Raiders Hall of Fame coach John Madden once said, “His skills as a center were just perfect. “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 dedication and impact were widely recognized. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980, his first year of eligibility. During his induction, the late Raiders owner Al Davis said, “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.”
Even after his playing days, Otto continued to inspire. In a 2013 interview, he stated, “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 influence extended beyond the field. In a 2022 interview, Raiders linebacker Phil Villapiano remembered, “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 is survived by his wife, Sally, son, Jim Jr., and 14 grandchildren. His legacy as a symbol of toughness and dedication resonates with Raiders fans and the broader football community.