16 Years Before Toes of Deion Sanders Got Amputated, Raiders Hall of Famer Faced The Risk of Losing His Leg

Accidents and mishaps are part of the sports arena. This is especially true for the game of football. Jim Otto, NFL Hall of Famer, was the survivor of one such incident. Having lost a part of himself 16 years ago in an amputation, the 85-year-old veteran underwent surgery after dealing with an ample amount of health criticalities.

However, Otto isn’t the only NFL member to have faced this situation. Deion Sanders, coach for the Colorado Buffaloes, was in the same zone of amputation risk at one point. Sanders had a rare yet extremely painful condition called compartment syndrome. As a result, two of his toes had to be amputated because of the severity of the blood clots that had formed in his foot. Let us look at the details of these life-changing tragedies in the life of two eminent NFL legends.

Jim ‘Double O’ Otto’s tragic surgery

Jim Otto underwent a left leg amputation in 2007 because of major complications due to a long career in football. Apart from the surgery, he’s had other health issues as well, that required the immediate attention of the former professional.

This issue surrounding the veteran center entailed the prostate cancer and two life-threatening infections. He’s suffered from terrible knee issues and had to endure approximately 40 operations in the process of recovery. Consequently, one of which resulted in a life-altering change for the footballer, per ESPN

Given the legacy left by the golfer, it was sad to see one of the greatest centers in NFL history losing his ability to walk. A hero to so many at one point in time, losing one leg that carried the now Raiders through multiple victories. When the amputation occurred in July 2007, it is said that Otto suffered the greatest pain he’s ever felt. The Hall of Famer has and will forever be a name that will be etched throughout NFL history.

Jim Otto’s Infamous Career

At one point in history, the now Las Vegas Raiders and Jim Otto were synonymous with each other. He was among the twenty players in the squad to play for the entire 10-year existence of the American Football League. Impressively enough, Otto was also one of three players to play in all of his team’s AFL matches.

As soon as he was eligible to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, he was selected in 1980 for his exceptional performance for his team throughout the span of his 17-year career. Furthermore, Otto was named the starting center on the AFL All-Time Team. He helped the former professional reach rank number 78 out of the overall 100 Greatest Football players in the year 1999.

Read More: “Don’t Make Them a Leader”: Released From Hospital, Colorado Coach Deion Sanders Shares Three Life-Changing Lessons

To elongate his list of accomplishments, the Wisconsin native achieved the fame that helped him attain numerous nicknames. Out of many adored names, the Double O stuck with the footballer the most. And there is no doubt about the fact that there won’t be another Double O in the sport ever again.

Hence, it is not surprising for the question who will be able to replace the Raider legend to pop up in the mind of the fans. But, do you think that is true or will there be another Otto who might give the legend a competition? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch this story: Colorados Dynamic Voice Deion Sanders Empowering Message Shines Bright Captures the Interest of Travis Kelces Former Flame Kayla Nicole