LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Legendary Raiders C Jim Otto dies at 86

May 20, 2024, 7:20 AM | Updated: 7:21 am

Oakland Raiders # 00 Jim Otto file photos. (Photo by James Flores/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *...

(Photo by James Flores/Getty Images)

(Photo by James Flores/Getty Images)

Legendary Oakland Raiders center Jim Otto, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 86, the team announced Sunday.

The Raiders did not disclose a cause of death.

Otto spent his entire 15-year career with the Raiders, who moved to Las Vegas ahead of the 2020 season. Oakland was playing as a member of the AFL for Otto’s first 10 seasons (1960-69).

“The Raiders Family is in deep mourning following the passing of Jim Otto … The Original Raider,” the team said in a statement on Sunday. “The personification of consistency, Jim’s influence on the American Football League and professional football as a whole cannot be overstated.”

More on Hall of Fame center Jim Otto

One of three players to play in all 140 AFL regular-season games, Otto started 210 games for the Raiders in all. No one else started at center from his first game in 1960 to his last in 1974.

Despite the remarkable consistency from season to season, Otto did deal with his fair share of injuries, and he had to have over 70 surgeries, most of which related to his knees. Because of two serious infections, Otto had to have his right leg amputated in 2007, and he also fought prostate cancer.

Otto landed in the Hall of Fame in 1980 — the first year he was eligible. He was named to the NFL 100 All-Time team in 2019.

Even when his playing days were over, Otto stayed involved with the Raiders organization, serving as the director of special projects. During his time in that role, Otto set up reunions for former players and made public appearances as a representative for the team.

Otto was also known for wearing No. 00, an ode to the two O’s in his last name. However, NFL players nowadays cannot select that number.

“‘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 said in its statement.

Otto is survived by his wife, a son, his daughter-in-law and 14 grandchildren.

–Field Level Media

Key offseason dates for the Las Vegas Raiders

  • May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, June 3-6 – OTAs
  • June 11-13  Mandatory Minicamp

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Newsletter

Las Vegas Raiders

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JANUARY 15: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders sacks Joe Burrow #9 of the ...

Field Level Media

Reality of rough starts to season hitting Bengals, Raiders

The Cincinnati Bengals entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations. Now entering November, they are 3-5 and will still be searching for their first home win when they host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon.

2 days ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 27: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts to fans during the ...

Field Level Media

Raiders owner: Star DE Maxx Crosby not available for trade

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby is not available for trade, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis informed ESPN via email.

5 days ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 27: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs is chased by Maxx Cro...

Field Level Media

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs hold off Raiders to stay unbeaten

The Kansas City Chiefs held on for a 27-20 win over the host Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium.

5 days ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass over M...

Field Level Media

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs put unbeaten streak on line vs. Raiders

The Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL's sole remaining unbeaten team, will try to continue that streak Sunday on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders.

9 days ago

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 10: Desmond Ridder #19 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to throw the ball ...

Field Level Media

Raiders add QB Desmond Ridder, place Aidan O’Connell (thumb) on IR

The Las Vegas Raiders signed QB Desmond Ridder off the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad and placed Aidan O'Connell (thumb) on IR.

10 days ago

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20: Aidan O'Connell #12 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball...

Frankie Cartoscelli

Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell (thumb fracture) placed on IR

The Las Vegas Raiders will be without starting quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb fracture) for four-to-six weeks.

12 days ago

Legendary Raiders C Jim Otto dies at 86