Fresno State Athletics
Raider Legend Jim Otto Speaks to Dogs
8/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 20, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - One of the toughest men ever to wear an NFL uniform met with the Bulldog Football team on Thursday. Former Oakland Raider legend Jim Otto, who played for the Raiders from 1960-74, was invited by head coach Pat Hill to talk to the Dogs at the daily team meeting Thursday afternoon.
As a high school and college player, Hill admired Otto for his toughness and style of play as a center, the same position Hill played. In fact, in high school Hill wore Otto's famous 00 number in honor of the NFL star.
Otto was recently selected the greatest Raider of all-time as the franchise celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Upon hearing the news, Otto shared it with his wife, whom he met as a college student at the University of Miami (Fla.).
"She said, `that's nice' and gave me a kiss," Otto said. "And then she said, `now, take out the garbage'."
The Bulldog players listened to his stories and soaked up the life lessons he passed on. He talked about the importance of education because they will need that after their football careers are over. Otto earned his degree and has developed several lucrative business ventures after his playing career ended.
He never played for the money. In fact, Otto said his first with the Raiders he made $7,000 and the average school teacher in his rookie season of 1960 made $8,500.
"We didn't do it for the money," he said. "We did it for the game because we loved playing football."
Bulldog center Joe Bernardi, who has battled injuries in his career, asked Otto how many surgeries he'd had. Otto told the team he had 57 surgeries, including four on his back, and that a year ago he lost his leg.
At age 71, Otto looked in great shape but reminded the players that he once had a 22-inch neck and a 54-inch chest in his NFL playing days.
He showed the Dogs his NFL Hall of Fame ring and a Super Bowl ring that he wears, but also reminded them that fame can be fleeting.
"I can walk into Save Mart and show them my rings but the loaf of bread is still going to cost me $2, just like you," he joked. "Winning is great. I never like talking about games we lost because I don't like losing. You have to remember that winning rings and championships and trophies are great, and you should be proud of them. But getting your education is most important."
Otto was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1980 after playing over 300 games for the Raiders in his career, and was the team's starting center for 15 years. He is remembered for wearing the number 00 and played in nine AFL All-Star games and the first three Pro Bowls and Super Bowl II.
"That was awesome meeting someone like that," said Bernardi afterwards. "I was getting choked up. He was so awesome."
PRACTICE UPDATES
The Dogs returned to practice on Thursday afternoon and will hold two practice sessions before their second major scrimmage of the fall camp on Saturday night. That scrimmage is closed to the public and media.
"We Are Your Team" - The `Dogs will be starting their 2009 Football season off right with Football Fiesta Night on Saturday, September 5th at 7pm when the UC Davis Aggies come to town. Football Fiesta Family Pack tickets are available now. To inquire about the Football Fiesta Family Pack, contact the Bulldog Ticket Office at 559-278-DOGS.
