LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Raiders legend George “The Hitman” Atkinson has died at the age of 78, the team announced Monday.

“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of George Atkinson, a life-long Raider whose physical style of play helped define an era of football,” the team said in a statement on X.

Atkinson was selected in the seventh round of the 1968 Draft out of Morris Brown College. He quickly made a name for himself as a standout defensive back and explosive returner, earning back-to-back AFL All-Star selections in his first two seasons.

"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

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