My tribute to the 5'10", 180 pound rattle snake named George Atkinson who played for the Raiders from 1968-1977. Starting as a corner before moving to Strong Safety, he was easily outsized by about 3 inches and 50 lbs from most Tight Ends in his era . In his division alone Atkinson would meet the Broncos 6'4" 235 lb Tight End Riley Odoms and the Chief's 6'10" 255 lb TE Morris Stroud twice a year. While yes, the Raiders were always an aggressive team and yes, the Raiders reveled in their ominous image, George Atkinson takes it to a whole other level.

Along with "The Assassin" Jack Tatum, "Dr. Death" Skip Thomas, and "The Godfather Of Bump And Run" Willie Brown, they formed one of the most intimidating secondary's in all of football. They finally got their recognition when their style of play was highlighted in the Raiders first Super Bowl win in 1976.

The two things I respect most after making this video was for one, yes, he most certainly would throw cheap shots out there but he would do it right in your own bench area with no fear. Tackle you out of bounds into your own bench. Not a cheap shot by your own bench or when no one was looking. Atkinson robbed the bank in broad daylight. The other being he is gonna be at a size disadvantage every game but found a way to be a starter for a decade in the NFL.

There is much more research about the Atkinson v Noll trial in 1977. So many more people were involved. Mel Blount was going to retire when he was lumped into the "Criminal Element" which I never heard of before. The NFL being exposed for violence in the game was not good for business and this was the first of many Al Davis vs the NFL moments. https://www.thefootballodyssey.com/wh...

My favorite quote was when Raiders QB Ken Stabler asked George Atkinson why he broke Russ Francis' nose. George replied "Well, he is 6'5' 230 lbs and I'm 5'11" 180 lbs and I just had to let him know that is how it was going to be today." Atkinson vs Francis got heated in the papers as well with Francis saying Atkinson was a tough football player and was not a dirty player...yep, they made men back then who didn't wine about things, just handled their business.

George Atkinson's battle with CTE:    • Former Oakland Raider George Atkinson...  

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