George Atkinson, the former Oakland Raiders safety renowned for his ferocious tackling, has died at the age of 78. His death was announced by the Raiders on Monday, though no cause was given. In 2016, Atkinson revealed he had symptoms consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The Raiders described Atkinson as the anchor of their 1970s 'Soul Patrol' secondary, a key figure in the team's first Super Bowl victory. During his 10 seasons with Oakland and one with Denver, he played in seven conference championship games and helped the Raiders win the Super Bowl after the 1976 season. He recorded 33 career interceptions, fourth all-time for the Raiders.
Atkinson was known for his physical style of play, particularly alongside safety Jack Tatum. He knocked out Pittsburgh's Lynn Swann in the 1975 AFC Championship and again in the 1976 season opener, leading Steelers coach Chuck Noll to label him part of a 'criminal element'. Atkinson sued for defamation but lost.
Off the field, Atkinson faced personal tragedy. His twin sons, George III and Josh, both played football at Notre Dame and had brief NFL careers. Josh died by suicide in 2018, and George III followed in 2019. The Raiders remembered Atkinson as a friend and mentor whose sense of humour would be missed.
