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The NFL has lost one of its fiercest competitors. George Atkinson, the hard-hitting Raiders safety who helped define the franchise’s gritty defensive identity in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 78.
The Raiders confirmed the news through his family, describing him as “a cornerstone of the Silver and Black legacy.”For Raiders Nation, Atkinson wasn’t just a player, he was an attitude. Known for his physical, no-fear style, he played with the kind of edge that made opposing receivers think twice before going across the middle. His name was synonymous with toughness, loyalty, and old-school football grit, the kind that built the Raiders’ legend.
No official cause of death has been shared, but Atkinson had spoken about CTE symptoms
As of now, no official cause of death has been released by his family or the Raiders organization. However, in past interviews, Atkinson had been open about experiencing symptoms consistent with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries something many NFL players from his era have battled.
CTE can only be diagnosed after death, but Atkinson often spoke about the toll football took on his mind and body.
He was one of several retired players who pushed for better care and awareness for athletes suffering from post-football brain injuries. His honesty about the struggles made him a respected voice in the ongoing conversation around player safety in the NFL.
A heartbreaking family story that showed football’s painful side
Atkinson’s life off the field was marked by unimaginable personal tragedy. His twin sons, George Atkinson III and Josh Atkinson, both standout football players who followed in their father’s footsteps died within a year of each other.
George III passed away in 2019, just a year after Josh’s death in 2018. Both were later diagnosed with CTE, deepening the family’s connection to the discussion around football’s long-term effects.In emotional interviews after their deaths, Atkinson opened up about depression, loss, and the weight of watching his sons struggle. It was one of the few times fans saw the tough-as-nails Raider show his vulnerable side, proof that even football warriors can carry deep scars.
From Soul Patrol to Super Bowl glory — a career that left a mark on Raiders history
George Atkinson was part of the iconic “Soul Patrol” secondary alongside Jack Tatum, Willie Brown, and Skip Thomas, a group that terrorized offenses throughout the 1970s. He joined the Raiders in 1968 and played a key role in their Super Bowl XI victory. Known for his brutal hits and relentless style, Atkinson’s play often blurred the line between hard-nosed defense and controversy but it also defined an era of football that will never return.Even after retirement, Atkinson stayed close to the Raiders organization as a broadcaster and ambassador. He remained a beloved figure among fans, admired for representing everything the franchise stood for: toughness, loyalty, and unshakable pride.Also read - Gracie Hunt reveals her pre-game ritual ahead of Kansas City Chiefs matchup and fans are loving it
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