The world of professional football, America, and the Las Vegas (Oakland) Raiders lost a true icon in Jim Otto early this morning.
Jim Otto, an AFL and NFL superstar, American Icon, and Raiders icon, died early Sunday morning.
Born on January 5, 1938, he died on May 19, 2024. He was 86.
Otto was renowned all over the globe as one of the best and most iconic football players of all time, but what he prized most was his faith in Jesus Christ, his beloved wife Sally, and his son Jimmy, Jr.
In one of his final interviews, Otto told me about being a Raider: “To me, it was hit or be hit, and be the best that you could be.” That’s what I’ve always wanted to be. I also naturally aspired to be a great football player. It was something that I could always remember my high school coach saying, ‘Otto, don’t get yout butt beat, you gotta go and beat them,’ and I did.”
Otto also told me about his most memorable experiences as a player: “It is difficult since I played for a long time, and there are so many incidents that spring to me that remind me of playing hurt. They remind me of fantastic games where I came off the pitch beaten and battered but still won the game. “These are victories.
Otto, who was always the winner, was adored by both Hollywood celebrities and everyday people. Raider Nation idolised the man, while football fans from all over the world admired and appreciated him regardless of team.
Politicians, including Ronald Reagan, praised Otto. He was extremely close to Buffalo Bills quarterback, Senator, and former presidential contender Jack Kemp, as well as President Gerald Ford.
Otto, known as one of the roughest players in the game, told me, “When I saw the toughness that Jesus Christ demonstrated in loving a sinner like me who did not deserve it, I realised I could follow him. That was the most significant time in my life.
Ott’o’s son, Jimmy Jr., is currently a pastor in the Teton Valley in Driggs, Idaho. Jimmy may not have been the football player his father was, but more importantly to Otto, Jimmy devotes his life to telling people about the “Toughest man (Jesus Christ)” that the legendary toughest guy in football ever met.
According to the Raiders, Ott’s bio is perfection personified.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 2, 1980…The only All-League centre in American Football League history (1960-69)…Selected to the Hall of Fame AFL All-Star Team of the Decade…He was named the All-American Football Conference centre for three more seasons, from 1970 to 1972…Started 210 consecutive league games, the most in Raiders history.He played 308 games for the Raiders, including preseason, postseason, and all-star games.The last of the original Raiders.
Played in nine AFL All-Star Games and the first three AFC-NFC Pro Bowls…During his 15-year career, the Raiders won seven division titles, including the AFL Championship in 1967…Twice recipient of the Gorman Award (1968 and 1971) for “Player Who Best Exemplifies the Pride and Spirit of the Oakland Raiders”…Selected for the AFL-NFL 25-year All-Star Team…Third AFL player elected into the Hall of Fame…He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.In 1995, he rejoined the Raiders front office to work on special initiatives.
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