“Rest in Peace”: Mark Davis Joins Raiders Nation in Mourning Legend Jim Otto’s Death & Lights Al Davis Memorial Torch as Tribute

The Oakland Raiders legend Jim Otto passed away at the age of 86. The Raiders nation was shocked when Otto’s former teammate Phil Villapiano shared an emotional message about the legendary center’s demise on his X account. Otto, who was known for his toughness and pursuit of perfection has a special place in the hearts of the Raiders loyalists, especially current controlling owner Mark Davis.

The Las Vegas Raiders officially took to Instagram and shared a heartfelt message from the owner Mark Davis. The owner showcased his support and appreciation for what Otto has done for the Raiders franchise. In memory of the deceased legend, Davis took to the Allegiant Stadium and lit the Al Davis Memorial torch.

He wished Otto’s family well and rehashed all his accomplishments as a Raider. This legend not only got selected for 12 Pro Bowls but also won a championship and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. Davis additionally reflected on the grief that has hit the Raiders nation through this massive loss.

He said, “As the sun sets on the Raider Nation, I’m here at Allegiant Stadium to light the Al Davis Memorial Torch in honor of and tribute to Jim Otto, the original Raider. The entire Raider Nation’s thoughts and prayers go out to Jim’s wife Sally and the entire Otto family. Jim, may you rest in peace.” Otto had not only been a skillful player but his dedication for football ran deeper.

His former teammate and Hall of Fame Linebacker Phil Villapiano, 75, described just how much of a leader Otto was on the field despite the struggles and injuries he suffered over and over again.  “I watched him bleed,” said Villapiano and added, “I mean, every f***ing game. Whatever helmet he had on certainly didn’t work, because it would come down and smash on top of his nose. He’d be bleeding every single game. And players on the other team would be like, ‘What the f*ck is with this guy?!”

However, despite such an injury-riddled life, Jim Otto never shied away from challenging his opponents on the field. This consistency and determination gave the legendary player many tags including, “The Original Raider” from the club’s side. Embodying this statement, the squad also expressed, “The personification of consistency, Jim’s influence on the American Football League and professional football as a whole cannot be overstated. His leadership and tenacity were a hallmark of the dominant Raider teams of the 1960s and 70s.”

A Legacy of toughness and power, Jim Otto

Per sources, Otto had undergone more than 50 surgeries in his lifetime and most of them were football-related. He even had his right leg amputated in 2007. Added to this, his surgeries included multiple operations related to joint replacements, arthritis and even crippling back and neck problems. Later in life, he unfortunately contracted prostate cancer and two major infections.

Despite so many challenges, after his demise from this world, the Raiders nation cannot help but remember the legend for his tough mentality and sheer strength. The current defensive end Maxx Crosby shared on X, complimenting Jim Otto as an “absolute legend & incredible person.” If this wasn’t to prove Otto’s impact, the former Raiders QB Rich Gannon once mentioned, “He [Jim Otto] is a warrior. When you think of the old-time, tough Raider, you think of Jim Otto.”

This firmness helped Otto play more than 200 games throughout his 15-year NFL career and started in 210 of those games. In fact, he never missed a game because of injuries and bleeding. Even after he said goodbye to his professional career, Otto displayed a tough Raider mentality, earning the respect of countless Raiders fans all over the world.