Just in – The reasons behind the passing of American icon and legendary Las Vegas Raider Jim Otto have been made public.

AFL, NFL, American Icon, and Las Vegas (Oakland) Raiders legend Jim Otto passes away in shocking news Early this morning, the great Jim Otto passed away from the Las Vegas (Oakland) Raiders, the United States, and the world of professional football.

The great Jim Otto passed away very early on Sunday morning, leaving the world without an AFL and NFL hero, American Icon, and Raiders icon. He was born on January 5, 1938, and died on May 19, 2024. He was eighty-six. Although Otto was regarded as one of the finest and most iconic football players of all time, his greatest values were his faith in Jesus Christ, his wife Sally, and his son Jimmy Jr.

In one of his last interviews, Otto told me of being a Raider: “To me it was hit or be hit, and be the best that you can be. That is what I always wanted to be. I also naturally wanted to be a great football player. It was a type of thing that I could always look back at my high school coach and he would say ‘Otto, don’t get yout butt beat, you gotta go and beat them,’ and I did.”

Otto also shared with me some of his best playing memories: “It is difficult since I played for a long time and so many things come to me that make me think about playing injured. They bring back memories of amazing games in which we prevailed despite my injuries when I left the field. Those are wins. Always the victor, Otto was adored by both regular fans and Hollywood celebrities. Football supporters from every team in the world recognized and revered the man, while Raider Nation idolized him.

Politicians, including Ronald Reagan, admired Otto. He was especially close to Buffalo Bills quarterback, Senator, and former Presidential candidate Jack Kemp, and President Gerald Ford.

Known as one of the toughest players ever to play the game, Otto told me, “When I realized the toughness that Jesus Christ showed, loving a sinner like me that didn’t deserve it, I recognized I could follow him. That was the most important moment of my life.”

Politicians, including Ronald Reagan, admired Otto. He was especially close to Buffalo Bills quarterback, Senator, and former Presidential candidate Jack Kemp, and President Gerald Ford.

Known as one of the toughest players ever to play the game, Otto told me, “When I realized the toughness that Jesus Christ showed, loving a sinner like me that didn’t deserve it, I recognized I could follow him. That was the most important moment of my life.”

Jimmy Jr., Ott’o’s son, is a pastor presently serving in Driggs, Idaho’s Teton Valley. Even though Jimmy did not play football as well as his father did, Jimmy dedicates his life to sharing with others the story of the “Toughest man (Jesus Christ)” that the football hero knows and loved. This is more significant to Otto than anything else.

Per the Raiders Ott’s bio is perfection personified.

Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 2, 1980…The only All-League center the American Football League ever had (1960-69)…Chosen to Hall of Fame AFL All-Star Team of the Decade…Named the All-American Football Conference center for three more seasons, 1970-72…Started in 210 consecutive league games, most in Raiders history…Including preseason, postseason and all-star games, he played in 308 games as a Raider…Last of the original Raiders…Participated in nine AFL All-Star Games and in the first three AFC-NFC Pro Bowls…During his 15-year career, the Raiders won seven division championships and the AFL Championship in 1967…Twice winner of the Gorman Award (1968 and 1971) as “Player Who Best Exemplifies the Pride and Spirit of the Oakland Raiders”…Selected to AFL-NFL 25-year All-Star Team…Third AFL player inducted into Hall of Fame…Elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility…Rejoined Raiders front office in special projects in 1995.