Raiders Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman dies at 74

John Vella played 8 seasons for Raiders

The Raiders announced the passing of a key starter on their first Super Bowl-winning team.

The franchise announced Wednesday that offensive lineman John Vella has died. He was 74.

The Oakland Raiders drafted Vella in the second round in 1972 out of USC. Vella played his first eight NFL season with the Raiders, through 1979. He played for the Minnesota Vikings in 1980, his final season.

Vella played 84 games for the Raiders with 48 starts. He was a starting tackle from 1974-76, the team’s first Super Bowl winning-season. He was hampered by injuries during his three final seasons with the Silver and Black.

Vella was known as a fun-loving loyal teammate who kept in touch with former teammates and was a presence around the franchise for years after his retirement. In retirement, he owned some Raiders-only retail stores.

Our condolences go out to Vella’s family and friends.