Former Raiders Offensive Lineman John Vella Passes Away at 74

John Vella, a former offensive lineman who played eight seasons in the NFL and was a key member of the Raiders’ Super Bowl XI-winning team, has passed away at the age of 74, the team announced on Wednesday. No cause of death was disclosed.

“The Raiders Family mourns the passing of John Vella, a standout on the dominant Raider offensive lines of the 1970s and a starter on Oakland's Super Bowl XI Championship team,” the organization said in a statement. “The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with the Vella family at this time.”

Vella was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft out of USC. He played 92 career games, including 48 starts, primarily with Oakland. He played a vital role on the Raiders’ offensive line during their 1976 championship season, starting 14 regular-season games at right tackle and all three postseason games, including their 32-14 Super Bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

After spending most of his career with the Raiders, Vella finished his NFL tenure with the Minnesota Vikings in 1980. His contributions to the Raiders’ success in the 1970s remain a cherished part of the franchise’s history.