Longtime Oakland Raiders defender Jack Tatum has died. His former teammate at Ohio State, John Hicks, confirmed the death to WBNS-TV in Ohio.
Tatum was 61.
Tatum was a three-time Pro Bowler in nine season with the Raiders from 1971-1979. He finished his career with one season with the Houston Oilers.
The NFL Network ranked him as the sixth-most feared defender in league history in a panel last summer. His hit on Darryl Stingley in 1978 left the Patriots wideout paralyzed.
Tatum later wrote a book titled "They Call Me Assassin."
Tatum suffered from diabetes and had five toes amputated from his left foot.
Longtime Oakland Raiders defender Jack Tatum dies at 61 - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com