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.