George Atkinson, a hard-hitting former Raiders safety who struck fear in the opposition, has died. He was 78.

The Raiders announced Atkinson's death on Monday. The team didn't reveal a cause of death. Atkinson had disclosed he was suffering symptoms consistent with CTE in a 2016 interview with the San Jose Mercury News.

The Raiders called Atkinson the anchor of the team's "Soul Patrol" secondary of the 1970s that helped lead the team to its first Super Bowl title. Atkinson remained connected to the organization until his death.

"George's contributions as a friend and mentor to everyone in the Raiders organization continued long after his playing career, and his genuine personality and wonderful sense of humor will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him," the team said in a statement.

See Full Page