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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Josh Dubow

DARK SECRETS: Raiders legend george atkinson known for his fierce hits dies at 78 | Rare Historical Photos

George Atkinson (43), of the Oakland Raiders, breaks inside Mike Simone (51) of the Denver Broncos as he returned a Broncos punt 32 yards, in Oakland, Calif., Dec. 16, 1973. (AP Photo, file) - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

George Atkinson, the formidable former Raiders safety known for his hard-hitting play, has passed away at 78.

His death was announced by the Raiders on Monday, though the club did not reveal a cause. Atkinson had disclosed symptoms consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in a 2016 interview with the San Jose Mercury News.

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