Breaking: Raiders Great George Atkinson Dead at 78 — Mystery Surrounds Cause of Death

George Atkinson, the legendary Oakland Raiders safety renowned for his fearless defensive play and leadership in the team’s iconic “Soul Patrol” secondary, has died at the age of 78. The Raiders confirmed his death on Monday but did not disclose the official cause. Atkinson had previously spoken publicly about suffering symptoms similar to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated head trauma.

His passing marks the loss of one of the most defining figures in Raiders history — a player whose toughness and passion embodied the franchise’s identity throughout the 1970s.

George Atkinson’s Career and Legacy

Atkinson was drafted by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 1968 AFL/NFL Draft and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s defense. Despite his late selection, he made an immediate impact, returning an 86-yard punt for a touchdown in his rookie season.

Across a decade with the Raiders, Atkinson appeared in 144 games and recorded 33 career interceptions — ranking fourth all-time in franchise history. A two-time AFL All-Star, he played a pivotal role in helping Oakland capture its first Super Bowl title following the 1976 season.

Atkinson became one-half of the feared safety duo known as the “Soul Patrol,” alongside Jack Tatum, forming one of the most intimidating secondaries in NFL history. His aggressive playing style — most notably during the Raiders-Steelers rivalry — left a lasting mark on football’s evolution.

Tributes and Reactions from the Raiders Family

The Raiders organization released an official statement honoring Atkinson as “a friend, mentor, and an anchor of the Soul Patrol.” The statement continued:

“George’s genuine personality and wonderful sense of humor will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Former teammates, coaches, and fans have shared tributes on social media, celebrating Atkinson’s contributions both on and off the field. Many highlighted his mentorship to younger players and his enduring connection to the Raiders family even after retirement.

Life After Football and Personal Struggles

Following his playing career, Atkinson remained active within the Raiders community, often appearing at alumni events and serving as a motivational figure for new generations.

However, he also faced significant personal hardship. He revealed in a 2016 interview with the San Jose Mercury News that he experienced symptoms consistent with CTE. Tragically, his twin sons — George Atkinson III and Josh Atkinson, both former Notre Dame players — passed away within a year of each other in 2018 and 2019. Despite these challenges, Atkinson remained an advocate for player safety and mental health awareness.

What’s Next

As of now, the official cause of death has not been released by the Raiders or Atkinson’s family. Memorial details are expected to be announced later this week. The Raiders are likely to honor Atkinson’s legacy during an upcoming home game at Allegiant Stadium.

Atkinson’s death closes a historic chapter in the Raiders’ storied legacy — but his impact, leadership, and fearless play will continue to inspire generations of fans and athletes.