Raiders Legend George Atkinson, Known for Punishing Hits, Dies at 78

George Atkinson, a former safety for the Oakland Raiders, has passed away at the age of 78. Atkinson was a key member of the Raiders' "Soul Patrol" secondary in the 1970s, known for his physical and punishing style of play that struck fear in opposing players.

Atkinson had disclosed in a 2016 interview that he was suffering from symptoms consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition often found in athletes who have experienced repeated head injuries. Despite these health challenges, Atkinson remained connected to the Raiders organization until his death.

The Raiders organization has paid tribute to Atkinson, calling him the "anchor" of their secondary and a mentor to many within the team. Atkinson played 144 games in his career, spending 10 seasons with the Raiders and one with the Denver Broncos. He was part of a stellar 1968 draft class that helped build the Raiders into one of the top teams in the league during the 1970s, winning the Super Bowl in 1976.

Atkinson's physical style of play, particularly his infamous hits on Hall of Fame receiver Lynn Swann, cemented his legacy as one of the most feared defenders of his era. While his tactics may have been controversial at times, Atkinson's dedication and passion for the game were undeniable, and he left an indelible mark on the Raiders franchise and the NFL as a whole.