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George Atkinson II, a fearsome strong safety for the dominant John Madden-coached Oakland Raiders teams of the 1970s, has died. He was 78. More news: Former Chiefs Running Back, Super Bowl Champion, Dies “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 Raiders said in a statement. “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 prayers of the Raider Nation are with Denise, Brittany, Maya, Angela, Craig, and the entire Atkinson family at this time.” pic.twitter.com/ovIkFMCdYs— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 27, 2025 A native of Savannah, Georgia, Atkinson was selected by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 1968 Draft out of Morris Brown College. A safety and returner, he was chosen to back-to-back AFL All-Star Games in his first two seasons in the league. Atkinson remained a Raider through the 1977 season. Along the way, he anchored the team’s “Soul Patrol” secondary of the 1970s — a decade in which the Raiders reached five consecutive AFC Championship Games and defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. More news: Patriots’ Super Bowl Returner/Receiver Dies Atkinson finished his career with the Denver Broncos in 1979. He retired with 144 regular-season games played, 30 interceptions and four touchdowns scored on turnovers (two interceptions, two fumble returns). He also returned punts, returning three for touchdowns. After his playing career ended, Atkinson spent several years as a color analyst on Raiders broadcasts. More news: Atkinson was preceded in death by his sons, George III and Josh. The twin brothers, both of whom followed in their father’s footsteps on the gridiron at Notre Dame, took their own lives one year apart. Both were diagnosed with CTE after their deaths. George Atkinson III also played in 21 games in a brief NFL career with the Oakland Raiders (2014) and Cleveland Browns (2016). For more NFL news, visit Newsweek Sports.
