Jim Otto Biography

James Edwin Otto, born January 5, 1938, played 15 seasons as a center for the Oakland Raiders in the AFL and NFL. Jim Otto participated in collegiate football as a member of the Miami Hurricanes team. Otto was named a First-team All-Pro in ten seasons, including nine in the AFL and one in the NFL. He played as a linebacker and center for the Wausau Lumberjacks under coach Win Brockmeyer. Brockmeyer described Otto as a 'terrific competitor' whose most important contribution came on defense. Otto served as team co-captain, and the Lumberjacks posted an 18–5–2 record during his high school career. At a 1980 banquet in Wausau, Otto credited coach Yelich with teaching the technique he used throughout college and professional football.