Former Raiders Safety George Atkinson Dies at 78

George Atkinson, a legendary safety known for his hard-hitting style and key role in the Oakland Raiders' 1970s 'Soul Patrol' secondary, has died at age 78. Drafted in 1968, Atkinson played 144 games with the Raiders and ended his career with the Denver Broncos, helping the Raiders win Super Bowl XI following the 1976 season. He was celebrated for his physical play and amassed 33 career interceptions, ranking fourth all-time for the Raiders, and was an AFL All-Star in his early seasons. Atkinson was also known for his mentorship and close connection to the Raiders organization well after his playing days. His aggressive playing style drew both admiration and criticism, notably from Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll. Atkinson had revealed symptoms consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in a 2016 interview, highlighting the physical toll of his football career.