John Vella, Super Bowl Champion with the Raiders, Passes Away at 74

John Vella, a former NFL player known for his time with the Oakland Raiders, has passed away at the age of 74. The Raiders announced his death on Wednesday, marking a somber moment for the team and its fans.

Vella was a key player on the Raiders’ offensive line during the 1970s. He joined the team in 1972 as a second-round draft pick from the University of Southern California, where he was recognized as a consensus All-American in 1971. Over his eight-season career in the NFL, Vella played in 92 games, starting 48 of them. He was known for his versatility, playing both guard and tackle.

One of the highlights of Vella’s career came in the 1976 season when he started 14 games and played a crucial role in the Raiders’ journey to Super Bowl XI. In that championship game, the Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14, securing the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.

After leaving the Raiders, Vella finished his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1980, where he made eight appearances. Following his retirement from football, he ventured into the sports memorabilia business, opening a store in the Bay Area called The Raiders Locker Room. He later renamed it Vella’s Locker Room after a trademark dispute with the NFL.

The Raiders released a heartfelt statement expressing their condolences, stating, “The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with the Vella family at this time.” Vella’s contributions to the team and his competitive spirit will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.

Author

  • The American Drudge Report - Always Telling the Truth

    Jackson Harrison has spent the last fifteen years with a notebook in one hand, a phone on record, and just enough caffeine to outpace the news cycle. He cut his teeth covering city-council brawls and election-night chaos, learning early that facts only matter if readers can see themselves in the story. Trained in political science and fluent in digital media, Jackson translates policy jargon into plain English and backs every line with verifiable details—no shortcuts, no spin. His pieces for independent outlets have sparked podcast debates, landed in national roundups, and earned nods from voices on every side of the aisle. Whether he’s tracing a social trend or untangling Capitol Hill maneuvering, Jackson writes so that everyday readers walk away informed, not overwhelmed—and maybe ready to ask a better question next time the headlines roll in.