LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Raiders legend George “The Hitman” Atkinson has died on the age of 78, the group introduced Monday.
“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of George Atkinson, a life-long Raider whose physical style of play helped define an era of football,” the group mentioned in an announcement on X.
Atkinson was chosen within the seventh spherical of the 1968 Draft out of Morris Brown School. He rapidly made a reputation for himself as a standout defensive again and explosive returner, incomes back-to-back AFL All-Star alternatives in his first two seasons.
“George’s contributions as a buddy and mentor to everybody within the Raiders group continued lengthy after his taking part in profession, and his real character and great humorousness shall be dearly missed by everybody who knew him,” the group added.
The group prolonged its condolences to his household.
