Las Vegas Raiders fans and media alike mourn the loss of the legendary Jim Otto. The story of the Autumn Wind arguably began with the Pro Football Hall of Famer.
When it comes to Raiders players, no Mt. Rushmore or “list” can go without mentioning Otto. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone knowledgeable about team history who wouldn’t put Otto at or near the top. His accomplishments on the field are the stuff of legend. Sadly, on Sunday evening, Otto passed away. He leaves behind a legacy that’s unmatchable, with all due respect to other great NFL centers.
ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez once summed it up perfectly, back in 2010, when he was going over his top four Raiders of all time.
“The man has literally given a limb to the franchise—he has shown off his prosthetic leg covered with the Raiders logo—and it’s a crying shame that he retired a year before the Raiders finally broke through to win Super Bowl XI. Otto is the ultimate Raider, a 10-time All-AFL selection at center who lasted 15 years in the trenches and even longer as one of Davis’ most trusted advisors.”
As Gutierrez mentioned, Otto gave the Raiders everything he had—literally and figuratively. Otto was on record for having suffered multiple ailments during his playing career. Chief among those injuries were 25 broken noses, a broken jaw, and a detached retina. That’s just for starters. There’s a litany of broken bones that once devastated Otto’s body.
A Raiders legend—a legacy and resume that’s unmatched…
12 Pro Bowls, 10 All-Pro nods, and, of course, a gold jacket. Enough said.
While Otto was the consummate “Iron Man” of football, he did pay for it later in life. His right leg’s amputation back in 2007 served as a reminder of that. Even still, Otto regretted nothing. Otto always spoke fondly of his playing career, his teammates, and the sport of football itself.
“That’s the way football is, and if you don’t want to play it that way, we can get you playing some girls’ games.”
As we all share grief and condolences for Mr. Otto and his family, here’s a glimpse of the outpour of respect for the Raiders legend.
Rip Jim Otto. Absolute Legend & Incredible Person.
— MaddMaxx (@CrosbyMaxx) May 20, 2024
Jim Otto is The Toughest Player in Football History #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/uAPHEh8hfl
— JT The Brick (@JTTheBrick) May 21, 2024
Today we mourn the loss of former player, Jim Otto, aka “Mr. Raider”. His leadership and influence on and off the field will never be forgotten. Sending love and comfort to all who knew and loved Jim. #RIP pic.twitter.com/fT9ZpfG8m6
— NFLPA Former Players (@NFLPAFmrPlayers) May 20, 2024
Rest In Peace to the first ever draft pick of the Oakland Raiders, #JimOtto. Jim became the face of the Oakland Raiders. HIS attitude became the attitude of the Raiders. He was our leader. The result was the team that we all know and love. RIP Pops. @Raiders #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/qp9nUyx8W0
— VILLAPIANO (@Villapiano41) May 20, 2024
*Top Photo: Getty Images
