Jim Otto, the iconic center of the Oakland Raiders for 15 seasons, has passed away at the age of 86. The Raiders announced his death on Sunday night, May 19, without disclosing the cause.
Otto, an original Raider known for his distinct “00” jersey and remarkable durability, started with the team in its first season in the American Football League (AFL) in 1960 and remained until 1974. He holds a record of 210 continuous games, marking his dedication and tenacity. During his tenure with the Raiders, Otto received nine First-Team All-AFL honors and was chosen for the Pro Bowl three times after the AFL-NFL merger.
In a 2009 interview, Otto compared being a football player to being a gladiator, stating, “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 commitment to the game was evident in both his on-field performance and his perseverance despite multiple injuries. Throughout his career, Otto endured over 50 surgeries, including several knee procedures and the amputation of his right leg in 2007. Even facing such adversities, he remained an integral part of the Raiders organization, serving as the team’s director of special projects after their relocation to Las Vegas in 2020.
John Madden, the Hall of Fame coach of the Raiders, once praised Otto’s skills and dedication, saying, “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.’”
Recognizing Otto’s contributions and dedication, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980, in his first year of eligibility. During the induction ceremony, Al Davis, the late owner of the Raiders, praised Otto, saying, “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 post-retirement, Otto continued to inspire others. In a 2013 interview, he asserted, “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.”
Beyond the field, Otto’s influence was strongly felt. In a 2022 interview, Phil Villapiano, a Raiders linebacker, remembered Otto, saying, “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, his son, Jim Jr., and 14 grandchildren. His enduring legacy of toughness and dedication continues to inspire Raiders fans and the entire football fraternity.
