Raiders hitman Tatum dies
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jack Tatum seemed proud of his nickname: "Assassin."
The moniker stuck with the former Oakland Raiders safety even after his playing days — and it's one that strikes an odd chord considering how Tatum is tied to one of the more tragic moments in the game's history.
Tatum was one of the hardest hitters in the NFL, a Pro Bowler who intimidated opposing players with bone-jarring tackles that helped make his Raiders one of the toughest teams of its era.
He's also a player who will always be remembered for a hard hit in a preseason game that left New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley paralyzed from the neck down.
Tatum died Tuesday at age 61 in an Oakland hospital. The cause was a massive heart attack, according to friend and former Ohio State teammate John Hicks. Tatum had battled diabetes and other health problems for years, Hicks said.
The collision with Stingley happened Aug. 12, 1978, at Oakland Coliseum.
Over the years, Stingley regained limited use of his body, but he spent the rest of his life in an electric wheelchair. He died in 2007.
Former Oakland teammate Willie Brown said Tatum was a true professional.
"He wasn't the type of person who was really out trying to maim anybody or hurt anybody," he said. "He was just doing his job."
After starring for Ohio State under coach Woody Hayes, Tatum was drafted in the first round by the Raiders in 1971. In nine seasons with Oakland, he started 106 of 120 games, had 30 interceptions and helped the Raiders win the 1976 Super Bowl.
Tatum was also involved in "The Immaculate Reception" in the Raiders' 1972 playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With 22 seconds left, Tatum jarred loose a desperation pass from Terry Bradshaw to Frenchy Fuqua with a trademark hit. The ball ricocheted into the arms of Steelers running back Franco Harris, who never broke stride and ran 42 yards for the winning touchdown.
