Raiders great George Atkinson dead at 78

George Atkinson, a Tremendous Bowl champion and member of the Raiders’ “Soul Patrol” secondary within the Nineteen Seventies, has died, the staff introduced Monday. He was 78.

Atkinson performed for the Raiders from 1968 to 1977 and had one season with the Denver Broncos earlier than retiring from the NFL. He was a two-time Professional Bowl choice and the 1968 American Soccer League Defensive Rookie of the Yr.

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Former Oakland Raiders participant George Atkinson waves after lighting a torch for former Raiders proprietor Al Davis earlier than an NFL soccer recreation between the Oakland Raiders and the Jacksonville Jaguars in Oakland, California, October 21, 2012. (AP Photograph/Jeff Chiu, file)

The Raiders group mourned the loss in an announcement.

“The Raiders household is deeply saddened by the passing of George Atkinson, a lifelong Raider whose bodily type of play helped outline an period in soccer,” the staff stated. “Chosen by the Raiders within the seventh spherical of the 1968 Draft out of Morris Brown, George burst onto the professional soccer scene as an thrilling defensive again and explosive returner, incomes back-to-back AFL All-Star choices in his first two seasons.

“He later anchored the protection as a part of the famed ‘Soul Patrol’ secondary of the Nineteen Seventies, serving to lead the Raiders to unprecedented success because the Silver and Black superior to 5 straight AFC Championship Video games and received Tremendous Bowl taking part in profession, and his real persona and nice humorousness shall be significantly missed by all who knew him. The prayers of the Raider Nation are with Denise, Brittany, Maya, Angela, Craig and your entire Atkinson household presently.”

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Oakland Raiders defenseman George Atkinson (43) carries the ball towards the New York Jets through the 1968 AFC Championship at Shea Stadium on December 29, 1968. (Manny Rubio/USA TODAY Sports activities)

Atkinson’s two Professional Bowl choices got here within the first two years of his skilled profession. He had 4 interceptions in his rookie season and two extra in 1969.

He completed his profession with 30 interceptions and two touchdowns in 144 video games.

In 1976, the Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Tremendous Bowl XI. Atkinson had six tackles within the recreation.

Atkinson was recognized for his fierce play on the sphere and delivering a number of the greatest hits to his opponents. He and Jack Tatum have been formidable opponents for any offense.

“We by no means go on the sphere with the intention of wounding anybody, however we go on the sphere with the intention of getting our job accomplished,” Atkinson stated on the time. “If you happen to do not wish to get hit, it is best to not present up after we play on Sunday. I assure you will get hit.”

One of the crucial memorable hits got here within the 1975 AFC Championship and 1976 season opener towards the Pittsburgh Steelers. He knocked Lynn Swann out of each matches.

George Atkinson (43), of the Oakland Raiders, breaks into Mike Simone (51) of the Denver Broncos as he returns a Broncos punt 32 yards in Oakland, California, December 16, 1973. (AP picture, file)

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Then-Steelers coach Chuck Noll referred to as Atkinson a part of the “felony factor” within the NFL after the second purpose. Atkinson sued Noll for defamation, however misplaced the lawsuit.

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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