Jim Otto, one of the original Raiders who went on to a Hall of Fame career as a center, has died. He was 86.
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The team confirmed the news in a press release.
Otto played for the Raiders during their first season in 1960 and remained with the team until 1974. He started 210 consecutive games while sporting the distinctive "OO" on his jersey.
"I've often looked at being a football player as being a gladiator," Otto told Bleacher Report in 2009, via the New York Post.
"There'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 injuries. 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."
Otto was named First-Team All-AFL a whopping nine teams. He made three Pro Bowls after the league merged with the NFL.
"'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 wrote in its statement.
"Beyond the gridiron, Jim was a successful businessman and remained an important part of the Raiders organization, serving as a team executive and providing a perpetual presence at games and events. Jim was a man whose words and actions epitomized the motto 'Commitment to Excellence.'"
Otto leaves behind wife Sally, son Jim Jr. and his wife Leah, and 14 grandchildren.
The Raiders open the season on Sunday, Sept. 8, with a road game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders legend Jim Otto died at the age of 86 | Rest In Peace Mr. Raider https://t.co/OFHpVnxmYF pic.twitter.com/HjxlVrx8Sg
— NFL Draft Diamonds ™️ (@DraftDiamonds) May 20, 2024
