Longtime Raiders center Jim Otto passed away at the age of 86, with no cause of death given. Otto played for the Raiders for the first 15 seasons of the franchise, starting in 210 consecutive games. Throughout his career, Otto viewed himself as a gladiator on the football field, always looking to prove his worth through his dedication to the sport and his resilience in the face of injuries.
During his time with the Raiders, Otto was a nine-time First-Team All-AFL player and a three-time Pro Bowl center after the AFL and NFL merged. His skills as a center were highly regarded by his teammates and coaches, with late Raiders Hall of Fame Coach John Madden noting that Otto never wanted to come out of practice and was always committed to improving his game. Otto was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1980, his first year of eligibility, and was considered the standard of excellence for centers in professional football.
Late Raiders Hall of Fame owner Al Davis praised Otto for his commitment to excellence, pride, and poise, stating that Otto was the standard by which centers were judged in the football world. Despite facing more than 70 surgeries and having his right leg amputated in 2007, Otto remained resilient and determined to continue living life to the fullest. He was known for his adventurous spirit, having been to the Arctic Circle and participating in various activities like hunting even after his leg amputation.
Otto is survived by his wife, son, and 14 grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and excellence in the football world. Former Raiders linebacker Phil Villapiano shared memories of Otto bleeding during games due to his helmet coming down and smashing on top of his nose, a testament to Otto’s toughness and perseverance on the field. Otto’s impact on the Raiders franchise and the football community as a whole will forever be remembered and celebrated.
