Jim Otto, the Hall of Fame center known as “Mr. Raider” for his extraordinary durability through numerous injuries, passed away at the age of 86, the team confirmed on Sunday night. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

In a statement posted on the social platform X, the Raiders referred to Otto as “The Original Raider,” highlighting his remarkable consistency and significant influence on the American Football League (AFL) and professional football. “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,” the statement read.

Otto remained actively involved with the Raiders even after their relocation to Las Vegas in 2020. He was among several former players present in the locker room following the Raiders’ 27-14 season-ending victory over the Denver Broncos in January. Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby honored Otto on X, describing him as an “absolute legend & incredible person.”

Jim Otto joined the Raiders during their inaugural season in the AFL in 1960 and remained a key player for the next 15 years. Notably, he never missed a game due to injuries, playing in 210 consecutive regular-season games and 308 straight total contests despite undergoing nine knee surgeries during his career. His right leg was amputated in 2007 due to complications from the numerous injuries he sustained on the field.

“He’s a warrior,” former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon once remarked. “When you think of the old-time, tough Raider, you think of Jim Otto.”

Otto was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and is considered one of the AFL’s all-time greats. He wore the iconic No. 00 jersey, a nod to his name, “Aught-oh,” and played in nine AFL All-Star games and the first three AFC-NFC Pro Bowls before his Hall of Fame induction in his first year of eligibility.

Throughout his career, Otto underwent more than 50 surgeries, primarily due to football-related injuries, including multiple joint replacements, arthritis, and severe back and neck problems. Despite these challenges, Otto remained resilient, even battling prostate cancer and enduring two major infections post-retirement. Reflecting on his numerous surgeries, Otto once said, “I can take any type of surgery in the world except for when it comes to something that’s internal. When it’s cosmetic, fixing your nose, fixing your knee, fixing your elbows or whatever, that’s nothing.”

Otto’s commitment to excellence was unwavering throughout his career. “Throughout my career, I worked hard to continue to stay a level above everyone else,” he said. “Every day I walked onto the field, I was the best center. That’s the way I wanted to be. I continued to play at that level with those expectations.”

Otto played his final seasons alongside fellow Hall of Famers offensive linemen Gene Upshaw and Art Shell, forming a formidable line that physically dominated their opponents. Otto was a pivotal figure as the Raiders secured seven division titles in his last eight seasons and reached the Super Bowl following the 1967 season, although they lost to the Green Bay Packers.

Known for their toughness, the Raiders of Otto’s era also had a reputation for their off-field antics. “There was some intimidation,” Otto said. “Teams didn’t like to come to Oakland because of the fans and the football team.” He also recounted how players would often go out after bed check at 11 p.m. but always showed up for practice the next morning.

Born on January 5, 1938, in Wausau, Wisconsin, Otto grew up in poverty, at one point living in a chicken coop with his family. He left home to play college football at the University of Miami, where he excelled at both center and linebacker. Undrafted by the NFL in 1959, he signed with the Raiders of the newly formed AFL the following year. Otto was one of only 20 players to compete in the AFL for its entire 10-year existence.

After his playing career, Otto continued to serve the Raiders in various capacities, most recently as the team’s director of special projects. In this role, he organized reunions for former players, hosted events for fans in luxury boxes, and made numerous public appearances. He also played a significant role in negotiating the team’s move back to Oakland from Los Angeles before the 1995 season. The Raiders later relocated to Las Vegas in 2020.

Jim Otto is survived by his wife, Sally, his son, Jim Jr., daughter-in-law Leah, and his 14 grandchildren: Alice, Sarah, Amy, Amanda, Josiah, Hannah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Jennifer, Avery, Noah, Aiden, Roman, and Ellie.

In addition to his football achievements, Otto's legacy includes his contributions to the Raiders' community and his resilience in the face of numerous health challenges. His life story, from growing up in poverty to becoming a football legend, serves as an inspiration to many. The impact he had on the sport and those around him will be remembered for generations. His dedication to the game and the Raiders organization has left an indelible mark on the history of professional football.