Per a statement by the Las Vegas Raiders on Wednesday, former offensive lineman John Vella died.
“The Raiders Family mourns the passing of John Vella, a standout on the dominant Raider offensive lines of the 1970s and a starter on Oakland’s Super Bowl XI Championship team,” the statement posted to X reads. “Vella originally joined the Raiders as a second-round draft selection in 1972 out of USC, where he earned consensus All-American honors as a tackle in 1971.
“A versatile performer and a ferocious competitor, Vella played both guard and tackle, seeing action in 84 games with 48 starts in eight seasons with the Silver and Black. He finished his career with Minnesota in 1980. The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with the Vella family at this time.”
The league and Raiders team up to sue John Vella
Following his final year in the league in 1980, Vella became an entrepreneur. He owned John Vella’s Raider Locker Room in Castro Valley, California. The store specialized in selling Raiders gear an other items.
Per an SF Gate Article in 2003, the Raiders and NFL teamed up to sue Vella and his chain of “Raider Locker Room” stores. In a settlement, Vella removed “Raider” from his signs and advertisements. He changed the name to “John Vella’s Locker Room”, per the Midland Daily News.
Las Vegas Raiders fans were saddened by the death
Fans took to social media to remember Vella.
“He is such a nice guy. He owned a sports store in Dublin, CA. I was in there one time, and he let me try on his Super Bowl ring,” wrote a fan.
“Such a nice man we went on a few of the away game trips he organized, always first class. RIP John,” posted another.
“Sad to hear. My wife and I had a great time on one of his “Locker Room Tour” trips. Stayed with the team in Arizona CWood’s rookie year,” commented a poster.
“Happy Fella John Vella. RIP to a legend. Don’t upset the happy fella,” posted another.
“Raider Nation Salute,” wrote a fan.
“Rest in peace:(,” commented another.
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