Raiders Super Bowl Champion John Vella Dies at 74

OAKLAND, Calif. — John Vella, a Super Bowl champion offensive lineman known for his time with the Oakland Raiders, has died at the age of 74, the team announced Wednesday.

The Raiders stated, “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 prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with the Vella family at this time.” No cause of death was provided.

Vella was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft after an impressive college career at the University of Southern California, where he earned consensus All-American honors as a tackle in 1971. He was instrumental in the Raiders’ success, playing both guard and tackle during his eight seasons with the team.

Throughout his tenure from 1972 to 1979, Vella appeared in 84 games, starting in 48. He was part of the Raiders team that defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI, having previously helped the team advance past the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1976 AFC playoffs.

Vella shared the offensive line with teammates like Art Shell and Gene Upshaw, working to protect quarterback Ken Stabler while wide receivers Fred Biletnikoff and Cliff Branch formed a dynamic passing attack.

After concluding his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1980, Vella returned to the Oakland area and started a business named ‘John Vella’s Raider Locker Room,’ specializing in Raiders merchandise. His store became a popular spot for fans looking for memorabilia related to the iconic franchise.

The Raiders confirmed his passing on social media as tributes poured in from across the league and sports community honoring Vella’s contributions to the game and his legacy as a member of one of football’s most celebrated teams.