Silver Minings: Raider legend Jim Otto dies at 86

Raider Nation loses one of the greatest of all time

The Las Vegas Raiders have a rich history that goes back to the American Football League. Their silver and black uniforms have become a staple with their success and have made them a storied franchise.

One player who defines what it means to be a Raider is Hall of Fame center Jim Otto. He is regarded as one of the greatest centers of all time, accumulating 12 Pro Bowl appearances and ten All-Pro selections. He helped the Raiders become AFL Champions in 1967.

“I had always done my best for the Raiders playing center, and it was an excellent feeling to know I had accomplished that,” Otto told ESPN in 2019.

On Sunday, awful news hit Raider Nation. It was announced that the Former Oakland Raider had passed away at 86. The Raiders’ social media group tweeted that he was the “original Raider.”

He was the only All-AFL center from 1960 to 196 and one of only three players to play in all 140 AFL regular-season games.

Maxx Crosby shared his thoughts Sunday night on Otto’s legacy.

It is sad for Raider Nation to lose a legend like Jim Otto.

In other Raiders links:

• Michael Mayer believes he and Brock Bowers will be dangerous: Michael Mayer was interviewed during the Raiders charity golf event and gave his thoughts on Bowers.
• Three things to watch during OTA’s: Raiders OTA starts this week, and Las Vegas Review-Journal looks at what to watch for.
• Mark Davis lights the torch in memory of Jim Otto: Davis pays tribute to the Raider legend by lighting the torch in his memory.