
Raiders rookie Jim Otto - still sporting the #50 of his first season in the AFL - gets some love from a sports publication of the early 1960s.
Jim Otto, Oakland Raiders Rookie Center

George Blanda kicks a 27-yard field goal against the Steelers in 1970. It was this game he came off the bench and threw 3 touchdowns in addition to this field goal to help the Raiders win 31-14. Some big names in this picture - We see Jim Otto (#00) barring the way of Joe Greene (#75) and former Chargers standout Chuck Allen (#58) while Rookie Ken Stabler (#12) holds for Blanda.
George Blanda kcks a field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970

The only Center the Raiders ever needed through the entire 1960s decade - All AFL Center Jim Otto.
Jim Otto, 1969 Oakland Raiders Center

This drawing of All-AFL center Jim Otto is the featured image of the article previewing the Oakland Raiders in the 1966 issue of Pro Football Almanac. As far as the #66 player - the Raiders didn't have a #66 on the 1966 roster.
Jim Otto drawing in the 1966 issue of Pro Football Almanac

The only All League center the AFL ever had - Raider Jim Otto.
Jim Otto, Raiders All AFL Center

All Raiders Jim Otto (#00) and Daryle Lamonica (#3) can do is watch as Herb Adderley returns a 60-yard 4th quarter interception for a touchdown to secure a win for the Packers in Super Bowl II.
Herb Adderley Super Bowl II Touchdown

There's over 40 years of old school football here. George Blanda (#16) played from 1949 to 1975 - that's a total of 26 seasons. Center Jim Otto (#00) put in 15, playing from 1960 to 1975.
George Blanda and Jim Otto of the Oakland Raiders

2 of the old AFL's greats - Raiders Daryle Lamonica & Jim Otto
Daryle Lamonica sets up to pass behind Jim Otto

The immortal George Blanda in 1970 get behind the blocking of center Jim Otto (#00) and runner Charlie Smith (#23). Pictured here Blanda is 44 years old. And while he still saw just spot duty, he still managed to throw 6 touchdowns.
Oh, and he still played another 5 years in the NFL.
George Blanda sets up to pass behind Jim Otto and Charlie Smith | 1970 Raiders

The Oakland Raiders sporting their black uniforms in 1962. Legendary All-AFL Center Jim Otto (#00) leads the way for runner Bo Roberson (#40). Other Raiders pictured are longtime lineman Wayne Hawkins (#65) and Dan Ficca (#69). The tangled-up Charger is none other than the great Ernie Ladd (#77).
Jim Otto Lead Blocking in 1962

The only All-League Center the AFL ever had. Considered by many to be one of the best offensive lineman ever.
Oakland Raiders Center Jim Otto

The Hall of Fame Center sets up to protect team mate Daryle Lamonica.
Jim Otto Protects Daryle Lamonica Against Houston

Jim Otto

Jim Otto Center Oakland Raiders

Up against the defense of the Houston Oilers.
Raiders Offense - Pete Banazak, Daryle Lamonica and Jim Otto

Jim Otto

Here he sets up to protect quarterback Daryle Lamonica.
Jim Otto and Daryle Lamonica | Oakland Raiders

Jim Otto

Jim Otto Oakland Raiders 1960-1974

Seen here on the Raider offensive line alongside fellow Hall of Famers Gene Upshaw and Ken Stabler.
Jim Otto Raiders Offensive Lineman


He even managed a pass reception - in the 1972 playoff game against the Steelers.
Jim Otto Catches a Pass

Playing at the University of Miami he was overlooked by the NFL but was chosen by the proposed Minneapolis franchise of the newly formed American Football League. When the Minneapolis club failed to materialize his playing rights went to the Oakland franchise by default. After which he was the starting center for the Raiders for the next 15 seasons and 210 games. He handled the snapping duties for 7 Divisional Championships, and AFL Championship and a Super Bowl. He retired in 1974.
Jim Otto

Jim Otto

Jim Otto

Most Honored Raider in Team History. Had 210 consecutive starts (most in team history) at center for Oakland. Chosen to 10 All Pro (AFL All League) teams and 12 Pro Bowls. The AFL's Hall of Fame Center he was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
Jim Otto

Jim Otto

Playing at the University of Miami he was overlooked by the NFL but was chosen by the proposed Minneapolis franchise of the newly formed American Football League. When the Minneapolis club failed to materialize his playing rights went to the Oakland franchise by default. After which he was the starting center for the Raiders for the next 15 seasons and 210 games. He handled the snapping duties for 7 Divisional Championships, and AFL Championship and a Super Bowl. He retired in 1974.
Jim Otto

Jim Otto

Jim Otto

2 of the icons of the Oakland Raider Glory days. Quarterback Ken Stabler and Center Jim Otto.
Ken Stabler and Jim Otto