One of the best defensive backs to play the game has passed away at the age of 61. Jack Tatum was a 10-year NFL veteran playing for the Raiders and Oilers winning one Super Bowl and appearing in three Pro Bowls.
Legendary Raider Jack ‘The Assassin’ Tatum Dies At Age 61
He died on Tuesday morning from a heart attack. according to 10TV.com.
Tatum was known as one of the fiercest hitters in NFL history. Perhaps the play for which he's known best is one he put on Patriots receiver Daryl Stingley. The hit paralyzed Stingley from the chest down.
He played at Ohio State under legendary coach Woody Hayes, who later developed the “Jack Tatum Hit Of The Week Award”, given to the Buckeye with the best defensive hit of that week’s game. He was originally recruited as a running back before switching to the defensive side of the ball.
Tatum was selected to Ohio State’s Hall of Fame as well as College Football’s Hall of Fame.
Current Ohio State coach Jim Tressel issued a statement on Tatum’s death.
"We have lost one of our greatest Buckeyes. When you think of Ohio State defense, the first name that comes to mind is Jack Tatum. His loss touches every era of Ohio State players and fans."
For more on the loss of one of the better football players in history, check out SB Nation’s Silver and Black Pride.
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