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Raiders draft countdown: Jim Otto is best No. 00 in team history

With 0 days left until the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders draft countdown names Jim Otto as the best No. 00. “Mr. Raider” started 210 games.

File photo: Oakland Raiders center Jim Otto talks with quarterback Daryle Lamonica on the sideline at Shea Stadium.
File photo: Dec. 6, 1970, Flushing, N.Y., USA, Oakland Raiders center Jim Otto (00) talks to Daryle Lamonica (3) on the sideline against the New York Jets at Shea Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft begins tonight in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown closes with the franchise’s best player by jersey number.

Today, April 23, 2026, the number is 00.

Jim Otto “Double O” or “Mr. Raider”, No. 00

Jim Otto “Double O” or “Mr. Raider” is the only Raider to ever wear No. 00, and he made it iconic. He became the face of the franchise from the first season and never let go.

Otto played his entire career with the Raiders from 1960-74. He started all 210 games, set the toughness standard and helped win an AFL title.

Why Otto gets No. 00

Otto is the best No. 00 because there is no other choice, and because his resume belongs in any Raiders greatest list. He was a 12-time Pro Bowl selection and a 10-time All-Pro.

Meanwhile, “Mr. Raider” represents the franchises identity, on the field and in the community. For No. 00, “Double O” is as definitive as it gets.

Draft and background

Otto was born Jan. 5, 1938, in Wausau, Wis. He attended Wausau High School in Wisconsin, then played at Miami (Fla.).

Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 1960 AFL Draft.

Other notable No. 00s

  • None, the Raiders do not retire numbers, but if they ever do, this should be the first

Career check

Otto is one of the most important players the Raiders ever had, period. For No. 00, “Mr. Raider” closes this countdown the right way.

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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.

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