The Raiders family is mourning the loss of a true franchise icon, John Vella, who passed away at the age of 74 this past Wednesday. Vella, an integral part of the Raiders’ storied legacy, played offensive line for the team from 1972 to 1979 before concluding his career with a season at Minnesota. A standout at the University of Southern California, he was a second-round draft pick for the Raiders in 1972, and he quickly made his mark on the organization.
Initially joining the team as a reserve, Vella’s tenacity and talent saw him transition into a full-time starter between 1974 and 1976. He wasn’t just any player; he was a member of the Raiders’ Super Bowl XI championship team, helping to solidify one of the most dominant offensive lines of the 1970s.
In a heartfelt statement, the Raiders remembered Vella’s contributions, saying, “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.” His versatility shone through during his tenure — he could effectively play both guard and tackle, appearing in 84 games with 48 starts over eight seasons in Silver and Black. After leaving the Raiders, he wrapped up his playing days with the Vikings in 1980.
The outpouring of love for Vella on social media is a testament to the impact he had on those who crossed his path. One fan reminisced fondly, saying, “Happy Fella John Vella. RIP to a legend. Don’t upset the happy fella,” highlighting not only his on-field toughness but also the warm spirit he brought to the community. Another supporter recalled a personal moment: “He is such a nice guy. He owned a sports store in Dublin, CA. I was in there one time, and he let me try on his Super Bowl ring.”
ESPN’s Stanford Steve summarized the sentiments of many when he said, “Deke was an absolute legend of a man. Treated me like a son. I’ll miss his incredible stories. My thoughts are with the incredible Vella family.”
As the Raider Nation reflects on the legacy of this beloved figure, our thoughts and prayers are with the Vella family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His contributions to the team and the sport will not be forgotten.
