We were at the Polo Grounds when I first ran up against him. Jim cant walk through an airport without the metal detectors going off, said Miki Yaras-Davis, director of benefits for the NFL Players Association. But I'll tell you whathe had more knockouts than any of us. Brown fractured the face of an Eagles running back, broke another players vertebrae, and knocked a Steelers running backs eye out of its socket. Jim Otto starred for the Oakland Raiders, but his roots were in Wausau, Wisconsin. They all have the crab-like walk, and its hard to believe they were once these feared gladiators. We invariably would attack a bunker from where the enemy is shooting machine guns. There have been problems with steroids. And then tell me about a good solid head hit that you remember from the NFL as well. Jim Otto: The Pain of Glory Well, during my career, I had a lot of hits to the head. Jim Otto - Wikipedia Let's play football. He paralyzed wide receiver Darryl Stingley in a preseason game in 1978 on a clean hit. He was called the John Wayne of Football by John Madden. Mike Curtis, Linebacker, Baltimore Colts & Seattle Seahawks & Washington Redskins (1965-1978). Jim Otto Jim Otto WebInducted 1998. The impact and velocity of some collisions, normal Americans cant appreciate because they are not on the field, said John Lopez, head of Towson Sports Medicine and former trainer with the Baltimore Colts. One of pro footballs legendary ironmen, Jim played in 210 consecutive regular-season games from his rookie-season opener to the final game of his last season. I'm against all that. Jim Otto: The Pain of Glory - Jim Otto, Dave Newhouse - Google Now, the amnesia one, that was before the NFL, is that right? The 2003 NFL MVP, McNair has never missed a playoff start and led the Titans to the Super Bowl in 1999. Marsh took more than 100 painkilling injections from the Raiders and continued to play, which only made his condition worse. Over his 14-year career, which included Pro Bowl selections at safety, cornerback, and linebacker, Lott endured many injuries, including a broken leg and torn knee cartilage. Its like someone putting your body on I-695 at 6 p.m. and letting it get bounced around by the traffic.. I played football because I loved the game, and I did everything I could to win, and people knew that, Jim said. He played three games with a fractured tibia. Jack Tatum, Safety, Oakland Raiders & Houston Oilers (1971-1980), He was nicknamed The Assassin. He knocked out future Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey in the first game of his career. WebAs a result of injuries sustained during his playing career, he has endured more than 70 surgeries, including nearly 30 knee operations. There was recently a Washington Redskins player who got cut and shot his bed full of bullet holes, said Yaras-Davis, who declined to name the player. Ex-Cowboys wide receiver Bob Hayes and former Miami Dolphins running back Mercury Morris have served time on drug convictions. My nose was broken pretty, pretty good. Is he in the Hall of Fame? That's the way Mike Webster would say it, too. In addition to playing offensive center at UM, he also played linebacker on defense. Theyd shoot you up, and you could get painkillers anywhere. If you get hit in the head and a little dizziness comes out of it, you've suffered a concussion. Doesn't show it to anybody. We'd attack the bunker, and the quarterbacks would be sitting in a tank with the general saying, 'Well, what kind of attack are you planning?' WebBut Jim, remembering that his college injuries had all come when he was on defense, chose to let down a little during defensive tryouts and then really go all out when it came time for offensive team trials. He rushed for over 100 yards, caught several passes, and helped the Cowboys continue their path to the Super Bowl. I mean, if you played marbles against Mike Webster, he still would beat you. Krueger now cant kneel and has problems walking on uneven surfaces. Nobody is helping me. One contract can provide financial security for a lifetime. Web Site Copyright 1995-2016 WGBH Educational Foundation I don't want anybody to be hurt from football. In 14 seasons of play for the Oakland Raiders, Jim Otto played had a punishing history of injuries. I guess I hit someone pretty hard, and we didn't have any masks, and I got hit in the face. Butkus, once the the most feared player in football, sometimes walks as if one leg is inches longer than the other. WebIn addition to his football injuries, Otto also had two strokes, three heart attacks, and diabetes which caused blindness in one eye. Jim Brown, Running Back, Cleveland Browns (1957-1965), Arguably the greatest combination of power and speed the game has ever seen, Brown missed one game in his nine-year career. They never told me part of my knee was missing, said Krueger. WebHow did Jim Otto loose his leg? Yeah, but you didn't know about -- I mean, the concussions. He was issued jersey number 50 for the AFL's inaugural season, 1960, but switched to his familiar 00 the next season. Former Colts linebacker Mike Curtis said those cases are few and too highly publicized. The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. The FRONTLINE Interview: Jim Otto | League of Denial: The NFL's FOOTBALL'S PAIN A REMINDER TO JIM OTTO - The New York Times I was proud that the NFL started the random drug testing, and Im sure use has decreased, said Huizenga, the former Raiders doctor, but its still there. It's more retirement I think than anything else. I saw Meredith's nose broken so bad that it spread all over his face. Well, football today is still very tough, but I think in the day that I played and several other players that are my vintage will concur that it was a battle out there; it was a war. After a few days, Otto gave out a press conference telling the nation that he had retired from the game of football. WebJim Otto: The Pain of Glory is the story about a man who fought through numerous injuries, frequent surgeries, and a myriad of other maladies. And it bothers me. He won eight rushing titles before abruptly retiring at the age of 30. It just -- you know, maybe I choked a little bit and thought, oh, boy, I used to do that. New Columns From Your Class Correspondents - Cornellians Otto worked diligently to build his body up to his playing weight of 250 pounds. Forty-year-old players are having the same problems as 80-year-old men., Wherever there is repeated trauma to certain areas, wherever joints and ligaments have been injured, arthritis and other degenerative diseases, well, its going to happen, said Dr. Stan Lavine, team physician of the Washington Redskins from 1975 through 1985. And with your head traumas, with the head injuries, tell me about one in particular. He missed the whole next year of football. Marsh says his current doctors have concluded that the bone in his ankle may have been broken in the training-camp incident. Well, in some cases guys are heroes, and all of a sudden they're not heroes. In the 1970 regular season (1st year of the NFL-AFL merger), Oakland scored 300 points (21.4 points/game), 9th of 26 teams in the NFL, beating the Miami Dolphins in the 1970-71 NFL playoffs before losing to the Colts. He was elected to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. "Uh-uh, can't do it," you know? If you want to get into something else, play with the girls., 2. Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff said, Hardy Brown was a designated hitter. That was the most important thing to me. Players are bigger now. I know that in my mind, in Jim Otto's mind -- and I'll be honest with you right now -- that thoughts of suicide have gone through my head at different times. I remember that one because I was almost paralyzed, and doctors had to pull my intestines aside to get to my back.. I don't like to think about what these guys are talking about with regards to concussions and how it could affect our lives. With a broken jaw wired shut, McDonald could only drink milkshakes and watched his weight plummet from 175 to 143. WebThe official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. Wilson intercepted 52 passes in his career, but the one that stands out is the 91-yard interception touchdown from 1965a pass he intercepted despite casts on both of his broken hands. Its an orthopedics surgeons dream. Utleys injury received a lot of media attention because it happened during a game. Otto Former Raiders internist Dr. There have been times when Ive said, Whyd I do this?, But I wasnt going to lay there and whine. But I don't think you can blame it -- I don't know. And that's why Sally and I came to the forefront Did anybody do anything for Mike Webster with Pittsburgh? If they enjoy hitting somebody, let them hit people; let them play football. James Edwin Otto (born January 5, 1938 in Wausau, Wisconsin) is a former center for the Oakland Raiders of the American Football League. He maintained his streak despite pneumonia, an ulcer, and a shotgun wound to the side. Stillwell, who played only three seasons with the Bears, walks with a cane. WebHe considered the 20-some broken noses as more nuisance than hindrance, along with a hip pointer, broken fingers, broken ribs, a broken jaw, neck stingers, numerous ), At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Kentucky Derby storylines: Training death puts early pall over Churchill Downs, Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies: How to watch, start times and betting odds, Elliott: Pissed off Kings must improve in key areas to break Oilers playoff stranglehold, Shohei Ohtanis seventh home run of the season helps Angels avoid sweep, Florida Panthers upset record-setting Boston Bruins in Game 7 OT thriller. And then there's the players below who contain all of these qualities. Oh no. He knocked the helmet off Minnesota receiver Sammy White in the Super Bowlprobably the hardest hit I have ever seen. They do it now, which is good. Coaches had a way of making you feel less manly if you didnt play. I mean, it's affected my life; it surely has. Unitas missed most of the 1968 season due to injury but returned in the Super Bowl to lead Baltimore on its only touchdown drive in a 16-7 loss to the Jets. And it was about two days after the football game in high school my senior year. Now, when you're telling, I guess it was maybe in your book, that you talked about the hit that you took from Ray Nitschke, when you -- I guess it was your nose. Otto played high school football at Wisconsin's Wausau High School, under coach Win Brockmeyer. He endured torn-up knees, broken hands, broken ribs, and an acutely-painful hamstring tear but never missed a game. They would worry about the consequences later., Huizenga said: I would say most of the doctors are first-rate professionals, but they can fall into a trap from the huge pressures of owners and the millions of dollars involved, especially in big games. When you talk about your knees, legs, those kind of things, those kinds of injuries, clearly related to football, I mean, you know when these injuries started probably and all that. I've had over 20 concussions myself, and I don't like them. He ran 32 times for 168 yards and caught 10 balls for 61 yards. Could someone please explain to me why Jim Marshall is not in the Hall of Fame? We met at the line of scrimmage, and you could hear the thud all over the Polo Grounds. We havent seen the worst yet.. In 1997, he spit in the face of wide receiver JJ Stokes. I'm going to be just like you, Pops." But pro football is a brutal game, a sport that long has glorified pain and punishment. My first thoughts were, I got sick. Numerous accolades for Jim support Maddens widely shared opinion of the 15-year pro as the best to play his position: 10 first-team All-Pro selections, 12 Pro Bowl appearances and spots on the AFL Hall of Fame All-1960s Team and the NFL 100 All-Time Team. You're the tackler, and you get fined. Was there anybody that helped Mike Webster go through rehab at that time? He suffered a cracked vertebra, a concussion, and crushed intestines during a car crash before his senior year of college. Do you feel like there's an increased notoriety of players when something very bad happens like a suicide? He defined toughness as, more of a mental aspect than a physical power, saying, Toughness doesn't necessarily mean physical prowess; it's more mental., 3. And from what I understand and read -- never met him -- it does sound like he played that game exactly like you described. He was not a great linebacker. Jim Otto is 6-2 (188 cm) tall. Let me ask you. Marsh played with the Raiders seven years, during which he was hospitalized 18 times and had 13 surgeries. Hines Ward, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers (1998-present). I wanted to play well every week, no matter what, but in this game, we started out with Jim Carter in the middle. Rocky Bleier, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers (1968, 1971-1980). Jim Otto was elected into the Hall of Fame as a Player in 1980. Otto is also the subject of works by artist Matthew Barney.[3]. Unitas could intimidate without being one of the physical players. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Well, the rules and regulations today have really changed football to a certain degree because of the contact rules. Bavaro's play inspired the Giants, who went on to win the game, and the Super Bowl. He played in 11 Pro Bowls and is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Steve Sabol had the following to say about Butkus: His career stands as the most sustained work of devastation ever committed on any field of sport, anywhere, any time., Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. OK, you started by saying that suicide is not something that people talk about in the NFL, or have [not] until fairly recently anyhow. I wanted to play. In 1972, he thought he broke his back on a hit by a Minnesota Vikings linebacker, so he crawled off the field. In 1974, he used a cast on his broken left hand as a weapon. And playing with concussions, playing with other problems that we did play with, never coming off the field --. The former Titans star quarterback has injured nearly every part of his body at one time or another. It was a matter of pride in the way we did things. He tells a very straightforward biography of himself, deals out very little dirt but tells it as he sees it. Now, the tackler is fined $20,000, $30,000, $50,000, whatever it is for a blow to the head. Greene was notorious for kicking a player when he was down and had to be ejected from a game in 1975 for repeatedly kicking a Cleveland Browns player in the groin. But let them play. In most cases I would like to be able to be out there doing something for somebody else, helping somebody else, and I can't. He recorded three sacks and forced two fumbles with a severely torn pectoral muscle. 32. Is that what you're saying? No one ever has been suspended for a second or third time. There is a new level of information, and they've done some good studies on it, which are very important. The young people that are coming out and playing football today, I want them to continue to play football; I want them to have fun playing football. I think I'm just kind of touchy about thinking that my body is going to be separated from something and probably not in the same grave, maybe that's what I'm thinking of. Kilroy denied the charge. But a lot of guys no longer get the "Hey, Joe, how you doing. " You did though, that was during practices they would do that? The artificial surfaces are much harder than grass. It's a tough sport. What is the result exactly? Ray Lewis has won a Super Bowl MVP, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and has earned nine Pro Bowl invitations. Double-zero recalls stories about all of his famous Raider teammates, his most memorable opponents, and the behind-the-scenes life of an NFL Hall of Famer. Family Life He married a woman named Sally and has a daughter named Jennifer. I think that everything that has caused my body to be a problem has been from football, you know? FactSnippet No. Never misses a down. In one game, he knocked out the entire Washington Redskins backfield one by one. It is filled with sights and sounds of collisions that are sometimes startling and other times frightening. Of those who did not leave because of injury, 56.2% reported similar emotional problems. In a playoff game in 1970, Garrison broke three ribs in the first quarter and continued playing after he was carried off the field. I am really sore, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to take care of that. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980, the first year he was eligible. And a lot of times these guys fall into that category or one of those categories, and it happens that they commit suicide. It has been 20 years since Otto retired after a Hall of Fame career. 35. And I'm sure there's a lot of studies going on with regard to what was going on with him prior to this. It was the first injury that he had suffered and he would never participate in another snap. He also received fines for three illegal hits in the 1999 season. The desire of Ray Lewis to be the greatest linebacker in NFL history is fueled by an inner toughness that manifests itself on the football field. 23. Flat-out refusedthat is, until the league made him. Jim Otto | American Football Wiki | Fandom And then the next game you did that snap that you're --. Otto now suffers from arthritis, and severe neck problems. NAPA, Calif. -- Hall of Fame center Jim Otto recently had his right leg amputated and is recovering in a hospital in Utah. This interview was conducted by FRONTLINEs Tom Jennings on Dec. 22, 2012. Two years ago, Detroit Lions guard Mike Utley took a hit and suffered severe spinal damage, leaving him nearly a quadriplegic. I'm not complaining about it. What's going on? He played the game like it was supposed to be played, with pain and passion., 5. Runyan has started 180 consecutive games at right tackle, and has played in the postseason on seven occasions. He was once the leagues iron man, but Ottos body is now a combination of plastic joints, flesh and screws. jim 33. Well, the results with myself, you know, has been very difficult. Jim Otto Age, Bio, Personal Life, Family & Stats - CelebsAges However, they came back stronger in 1972, scoring 365 points (26.1 points/game), 3rd of 26 teams in the NFL, but lost 13-7 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round of the 1972-73 NFL playoffs, the infamous and outrageous (from Oakland's point of view) Immaculate Reception game. Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis made the announcement Wednesday as part of a wide-ranging news conference touching on the state of the team, the recent death of Bill Walsh and pensions for former NFL players. Now, you were talking about Webster and how he would approach the game. His dedication and durability symbolized the teams Commitment to Excellence motto. Larry Csonka, Fullback, Miami Dolphins & New York Giants (1968-1974, 1976-1979). There's so many things psychologically that can affect each and every person in this world, not just football players. To this day, Otto embodies the toughness and determination the Raiders began to ferment in the mid-1960s, after Al Davis took control of the team and later hired John Madden as head coach. I had my arms around his legs, and my shoulder dug into him. "I'm not out there crying" over concussions, "I would walk off the field and my eyes would be crossed", "Hitting harder than anyone else was very important to us.". Two years later Unitas played the entire season with a broken vertebrae. Tommy McDonald, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles & Dallas Cowboys & Los Angeles Rams & Atlanta Falcons & Cleveland Browns (1957-1968). What is it about the idea for you -- I mean, do you feel like this stuff about brain research and NFL players is kind of hogwash, or do you think there's something to it? PBS Terms of Use My wife is starting to try to convince me to do it. WebJim Otto This article was written by Rich Shmelter For 15 seasons, the 00 on Jim Ottos uniform stood out like a beacon. During the 1980s, Otto was involved in numerous business ventures. He owned numerous Burger King Restaurants near Sacramento, California until the early 1990s. In 1997, Otto's daughter, Jennifer, a 39-year-old mother of four, died from a blood clot. But in the final five years he began to suffer Well, in being taught to lead with your head and shoulders to make a tackle, and basically place your head to where it's going to hit the ball, because you get some good fumbles that way when you tackle and place your head and shoulders to where you're going to hit the side where he's carrying the ball.
Instigator Personality Type,
Articles J