The NFL world was hit with some sad news this weekend as Raiders legend Jim Otto – known affectionately as “Mr. Raider – has passed away on Sunday at the age of 86.
Throughout his professional career, Jim Otto was named All-Pro 12 times and is widely considered one of the greatest centers in the history of the game. The Las Vegas Raiders announced the news of his passing on Sunday night.
“Jim Otto personified the aura and mystique of the Raiders,” Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement. “He was ‘The Original Raider,’ leading a new franchise from its inception into its first run of glory years from the late 1960s into the 1970s. His legendary reliability – with 210 consecutive starts in the AFL and NFL – and the accolades he acquired serve as a testament to his dedication to the organization and the game.
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame will guard his legacy with the same diligence and tenacity that he guarded his teammates.”
Obviously, this is a major loss for the NFL community, and many took to social media to mourn his passing.
Rip Jim Otto. Absolute Legend & Incredible Person. 🙏🏼🏴☠️
— 🦅MaddMaxx🦅 (@CrosbyMaxx) May 20, 2024
RIP to Jim Otto AKA "Mr. Raider" or "Double O", one of the greatest players in NFL history:
-15-year pro career (started all 210 games)
-12x Pro Bowl
-10x All-Pro
-1967 AFL Champ
-Hall of Fame Class of 1980
-Played in 6 AFL or AFC Championship Games pic.twitter.com/NZMEQRIDa6— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) May 20, 2024
One of the greatest to ever do it. RIP Jim Otto pic.twitter.com/hluTJu9tGg
— Reigns Design (@ReignsDsn) May 20, 2024
#RIP Jim Otto#Raiders pic.twitter.com/jvPO1iKml5
— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) May 20, 2024
Jim Otto is the Raiders.
The Autumn Wind…🎺 pic.twitter.com/Kmj4Uun0CM
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) May 20, 2024
RIP Jim Otto
Double Zero pic.twitter.com/gYqq4A1h3j
— ᑭᖇO ᖴOOTᗷᗩᒪᒪ ᒍOᑌᖇᑎᗩᒪ 🏈 (@NFL_Journal) May 20, 2024
Otto was a legitimate legend of the game and will not soon be forgotten.
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