Raiders’ Jack Tatum Dies at 61
Posted on 28. Jul, 2010 by Raven Schneizer in Sports
Jack Tatum, 61, the former Oakland Raiders defensive back who, as a result of his ferocious tackling, received the nickname “The Assassin”, died of a heart attack on Tuesday, according to reports.
The three-time Pro Bowl free safety was known for his aggressive tackling despite his relatively small frame over his ten year NFL career. An NFL Films documentary named him sixth on their list of heaviest hitters in the professional football. One tackle in particular still rings in his fans’ ears. During the 1977 Super Bowl, Tatum tackled Minnesota Viking receiver Sammy White in what is known as the greatest hit in Super Bowl history as White’s helmet came flying off, landing several yards away.
“I play a hard-hitting game,” Mr. Tatum said in the NFL Films documentary. “I just like to have the receivers think about me a little bit while they’re trying to catch the ball.”
Another of Tatum’s more famous tackles created some controversy, this time one year later in 1978 when “The Assassin” laid out New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley. The wide receiver had two vertebrae dislocated and remained paralyzed until 2007, when he died.
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