Who Was George Atkinson? Raiders Legend And Broadcaster Dead At 78 After A Storied Career
George Atkinson, one of the most celebrated defensive backs in Raiders history and a member of the team’s storied Super Bowl XI championship squad, has died aged 78, the team announced in a statement Monday. Selected in the seventh round of the 1968 AFL Draft out of Morris Brown College, Atkinson quickly established himself as a hard-hitting safety and dynamic return man. He earned co-AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honours and became an AFL All-Star in both 1968 and 1969. His aggressive playstyle helped shape the Raiders’ identity throughout the 1970s, when he anchored the secondary known as the “Soul Patrol,” alongside Jack Tatum, Willie Brown, and Skip Thomas. The Raiders’ statement remembered him not only as a formidable athlete but also as a cherished presence within the organisation: “George’s contributions as a friend and mentor to everyone in the Raiders organisation continued long after his playing career, and his genuine personality and wonderful sense of humour will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.” A Lifelong Raider and Voice of the Team Atkinson recorded 30 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries, and seven career touchdowns — four on defence and three from punt returns, including two during his rookie campaign. His versatility and grit were instrumental in guiding the Raiders to five consecutive AFC Championship Games and their first Super Bowl title in 1977. After retiring from professional football in 1979, Atkinson transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, serving for years as part of the Raiders Radio Network’s pregame and postgame coverage. Teammates and fans often credited him for keeping the spirit of the franchise alive through his commentary, leadership, and mentorship of younger players. Personal Tragedies and Resilience Off the field, Atkinson endured profound loss with the deaths of his twin sons — George Atkinson III, a former Notre Dame and NFL running back who died by suicide in 2019, and Josh Atkinson, who died of suicide the year before. Despite those personal tragedies, Atkinson continued to advocate for mental health awareness within the football community, discussing the emotional and neurological toll of the sport. Fans and former players flooded social media with tributes, recalling Atkinson as “a true Raider in every sense.” Raiders owner Mark Davis called him “a symbol of loyalty and heart,” while NFL historian Chris Willis described him as “the link between the Silver and Black’s ferocity and its soul.” Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.
