When recalling the dominant players in the AFL, there is probably no one who held reign over his particular position on the field, and in the league, better than the Oakland Raiders’ Jim Otto.  Otto was dominant in the way the Boston Celtics, New York Yankees and U.S. Steel have been dominant.  During the AFL’s 10-year run, Jim Otto was THE ONLY man to be named First Team All-League at center.  From 1960-1974, Otto was THE ONLY starting center the Raiders had.  Awards?  He won them all.  All-Star, Pro Bowl, All-League, AFL All-Time Team, Team of the Decade, Pro Football Hall of Fame, etc., etc., etc…

Jim Otto = SUCCESS.  However, Jim Otto also = PAIN & SUFFERING.  We laud our players for their toughness, and willingness to play through pain.  But what is enough?  According to the following article (which was written six years ago), Jim Otto has endured nearly 70 surgeries based on football-related injuries.  No one can questions Otto’s courage, toughness, or dedication to his team, but he has paid a very steep price for his success.  Everyone has different thresholds for pain, and I am certainly no one to judge Jim Otto.  I simply hope that the results of his efforts were worth all that he put in.

OTTO PAID BIG PRICE FOR FOOTBALL GLORY