George Atkinson, the legendary hard-hitting safety and 'Soul Patrol' anchor for the Oakland Raiders, has passed away at 78. Known for his ferocious physical play and 33 career interceptions, Atkinson helped lead the Raiders to their first Super Bowl title in 1976. He remained a beloved figure within the organization despite controversies, including a defamation suit against Chuck Noll and later disclosing CTE symptoms. His passing follows the tragic suicides of his two sons.
George Atkinson, the formidable former Raiders safety renowned for his hard-hitting style and intimidating presence, has died at the age of 78. His family informed the Raiders of his death on Monday, stating he passed away in Georgia. Atkinson was a cornerstone of the Raiders' 'Soul Patrol' secondary in the 1970s, instrumental in securing the team's first Super Bowl title after the 1976 season. He played 144 games, including 10 seasons with Oakland and a final year with the Denver Broncos, accumulating 33 regular season and playoff interceptions, ranking fourth all-time for the Raiders. However, he was most recognized for his intense physical play, famously stating, 'Football is a collision sport.' Drafted in 1968, Atkinson was part of a pivotal draft class that included Hall of Famers Ken Stabler and Art Shell. He made the AFL Pro Bowl in his first two seasons and later formed a feared safety duo with Jack Tatum. Atkinson's aggressive tactics led to famous, controversial hits on players like Lynn Swann, prompting Steelers coach Chuck Noll to label him part of the 'criminal element,' a comment for which Atkinson unsuccessfully sued Noll for defamation. In a 2016 interview, Atkinson disclosed he was suffering symptoms consistent with CTE. His passing comes after the tragic suicides of his twin sons, George III and Josh, in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Raiders organization mourned his loss, highlighting his enduring contributions as a friend and mentor, and his genuine personality and humor.
