Raiders Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Otto dies at age 86.

The first 15 seasons of the Raiders, the autumn breeze gently blowing as games continued on.

Jim Otto, a stalwart figure, a star center, and a symbol of great camaraderie, remained constant. The team confirmed on Sunday that the Pro Football Hall of Famer Otto had passed away at the age of 86.

In a statement, the Raiders family expressed deep sorrow over Jim Otto’s passing… ‘Jim was the epitome of resilience, his impact on the AFL and professional football as a whole cannot be overstated. His leadership and resilience were emblematic of the Raiders’ dominance in the 1960s and 70s.’

Otto played 210 consecutive regular-season games, starting and ending his remarkable career, a staggering feat that included 12 AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl selections and being named to the All-Pro team 10 times before his Hall of Fame induction in 1980. Otto was a key member of the 1967 Silver and Black’s inaugural championship team when the Raiders won the AFL title and made their way to the second Super Bowl.

With double zeroes emblazoned on his chest and the iconic collar draped over his shoulders, Otto was the quintessential offensive lineman. He was as tough as they come, a leader for a fledgling franchise who later became a recognized victor and a steadfast teammate, paving the way for other Hall of Fame honorees.

Otto battled alongside a group of Hall of Famers, forming one of the league’s greatest interior offensive line tandems alongside guard Gene Upshaw. He also shared the field with HOF members George Blanda, Willie Brown, Fred Biletnikoff, Art Shell, Bob Brown, Ken Stabler, and others.

Late Raiders Hall of Fame members said, ‘Committed to excellence, pride, and poise, the greatness of our football team is not only reflected in Jim Otto, who for over a decade has been the gold standard for evaluating centers in professional football.’ In 1980, owner Al Davis, in commemorating Otto, said of him, ‘He’s the most respected offensive lineman in the history of professional football. But statistics are just measures of achievement, not true measures of a man. If that were the case, then great men are able to inspire others to greatness, and on that basis alone, Jim would be a great man.’

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Otto was born on January 5, 1938, in Wausau, Wisconsin. During his college years, he played football at the University of Miami, serving as a center and linebacker. He wasn’t a highly touted prospect, as evidenced by going undrafted. However, this marked the beginning of a great underdog story as Otto would later become one of the greatest players in NFL history.

Otto initially played for the newly formed American Football League’s Minnesota team, as his territorial draft rights were assigned to that club. When the Vikings violated AFL demands and became an NFL team, Otto’s rights defaulted to the Oakland Raiders in a fortuitous trade, helping energize one of the most iconic teams in sports during its formative years.

Otto excelled from the outset, earning AFL All-Star honors in his rookie season.

Following that, Otto didn’t change much aside from his jersey number. He started his professional career wearing number 50 but soon became permanently associated with number 00 after his first season.

The man known as ‘Double O’ served 15 seasons with the Raiders.

He was a 10-time AFL All-Star and was recognized annually as the league’s premier center. Just as Otto was a cornerstone for the Raiders, he was also a pillar for the AFL. He was one of only three players to participate in every AFL game for their team alongside Brenda and wide receiver/placekicker, Gino Cappelletti.

The Raiders posted a 6-8 record in their inaugural season. By their fourth season, they became champions, and Otto and his comrades quickly became symbols of sustained success. The Oakland team won 7 division titles in Otto’s 15 seasons, all of which came in his final eight years. Remarkably, during these eight seasons, Otto and Upshaw started every game, future Hall of Famers battling alongside future Hall of Famers.

When his career concluded, Otto never missed a game for any reason. His 210 starts still top the franchise’s history, and his 10 selections to All-Pro teams are the most by any offensive lineman in NFL history.

Otto’s resilience has a legendary quality, but unfortunately, his body has paid a significant price.

Otto underwent approximately 70 surgeries, and in his autobiography, ‘Jim Otto: Pain of Glory,’ he describes numerous near-death experiences due to medical procedures. In 2007, Otto’s right leg was amputated.

“Football is football,” Otto said in an interview with Bleacher Report in 2009. “It’s like being a gladiator: you step into the arena and fight with everyone, and then they let the lions attack you. I often see football players as gladiators.

“There’s a voice inside you saying, ‘I want to go out there and prove my worth.’ Most of the time you get hurt, that’s the life you choose, and they play hockey or football is how I prove myself.”

Otto repeatedly proved himself to be the best choice for his position throughout his career.

From 1960 to 1974, there was only one center who started for the Raiders, and few have performed better in that position during or after that time.