Jim Otto: The Iron Man of the Raiders

January 5, 1938 – Wausau, Wisconsin – The great center from the University of Miami, Jim Otto, was born. Otto anchored the Oakland Raiders’ offensive line for 15 seasons, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website bio on him. He was a great blocker and was voted as an All-League player in 12 consecutive years, respectively, in the AFL and NFL. The Pro Football Hall of Fame fitted Jim Otto for his gold jacket in 1980.

College Career

James “Jim” Edwin Otto was a two-way star at the University of Miami from 1957 to 1959, playing both center and linebacker. He earned a reputation for his toughness and technique, which he credited to his high school coach. Despite his success, Otto was not a highly touted professional prospect. He went undrafted in the 1960 NFL Draft but was selected by the fledgling AFL’s Minneapolis franchise in the 24th round of the 1960 AFL Draft. When that team withdrew to join the NFL, his rights were assigned to the Oakland Raiders, setting the stage for a legendary career.

Road to the Pro Game

Joining the Raiders as an undrafted free agent, Otto became a foundational piece of the franchise. He played 15 seasons for the Raiders, never missing a single game due to injury. He quickly became a standout, earning an AFL All-Star nod in his rookie year and solidifying his place as the team’s starting center for the next decade and a half. Otto was the last remaining original Raider and famously wore the iconic jersey number “00,” a symbol of his one-of-a-kind presence on the field.

Football Legacy

His incredible durability and dominance define Jim Otto’s legacy. He was the anchor of the Raiders’ offensive line, helping the team win seven divisional championships and an AFL Championship. His toughness was legendary, and he played in a staggering 210 consecutive regular-season games. Otto’s career took a tremendous physical toll, resulting in numerous surgeries after his retirement, but his dedication to the game was unwavering. He was a symbol of the Raiders’ “Commitment to Excellence” and remains an icon of both the franchise and the American Football League.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

• College Football Hall of Fame (1993)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame (1980)
• AFL Champion (1967)
• AFL All-Time Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
• 9x First-Team All-AFL (1960–1965, 1967–1969)
• 3x Pro Bowl Selection (1970–1972)
• 10x First-Team All-Pro
• Games Played: 210
• Games Started: 210