Raiders Hall of Fame center Jim Otto passes away

Hall of Fame center Jim Otto, a legendary figure in the history of the Raiders, passed away at the age of 86, the team confirmed on Sunday. Otto, who played his entire 15-year NFL career with the Raiders, set a team record by starting 210 consecutive regular-season games from 1960-74.

Drafted out of the University of Miami in 1960, Otto became an integral part of the Raiders’ success, helping them win seven division titles and the AFL championship in 1967. He was named to the All-AFL first team by The Associated Press nine times in a 10-year span from 1960-69.

After the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970, Otto continued to excel, making the Pro Bowl from 1970-72 and earning first team All-Pro honors in 1970. In 1980, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Despite enduring 38 surgeries during his career, including artificial knees and shoulders, Otto’s dedication to the game never wavered. He played through broken fingers, ribs, and a broken nose, always putting the team first.

Otto remained a beloved figure in the Raiders community, frequently attending games at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. His legacy as a player and a person was honored by current Raiders players, with defensive end Maxx Crosby paying tribute to him as an “Absolute Legend & Incredible Person.”

The passing of Jim Otto marks the end of an era for the Raiders and the NFL, but his impact on the game and the franchise will never be forgotten.