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George Atkinson
1947 - 2025
George Atkinson
1947 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1947
DIED
2025
George Atkinson Obituary
Born January 4, 1947, in Savannah, Georgia, Atkinson helped lead his team at Sol C. Johnson High School to the 1963 Class AA championship game. He excelled at Atlanta's HBCU Morris Brown College before being selected by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 1968 draft.
Atkinson burst into the professional ranks in his rookie year, returning an 86-yard punt for a touchdown in his debut, showing his speed and flair. He shared AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was selected to AFL All-Star teams in his first two seasons.
He became a cornerstone of the Raiders' famed "Soul Patrol" defensive backfield of the 1970s, alongside Jack Tatum (1948–2010), Willie Brown (1940–2019), and Skip Thomas (1950–2011). That unit anchored five consecutive AFC Championship appearances, culminating in the Raiders' victory in Super Bowl XI following the 1976 season.
Across his pro career he played in 144 games, registered 30 regular-season interceptions (plus three in the postseason), and was known for his physical, punishing style of defense-earning the nickname "Hit Man."
Even after retiring, Atkinson remained connected to the Raiders organization, serving as a mentor and broadcaster for the team. He did pre- and post-game commentary, and he hosted the show "Behind the Shield."
Atkinson's personal life was marked by enormous tragedy. His twin sons, George Atkinson III and Josh, both played football at Notre Dame; George III went on to the NFL. Both died by suicide – Josh in 2018 and George in 2019. Atkinson himself publicly acknowledged his symptoms consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), drawing attention to the toll of violent collisions in football.
Atkinson is survived by a large family, including seven children. The Raiders released a statement noting his passing and celebrating his contributions: "George's contributions as a friend and mentor to everyone in the Raiders organization continued long after his playing career, and his genuine personality and wonderful sense of humor will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him."
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
17 Entries
Roland Dixon
November 13, 2025
My condolences to the Atkinson family. I met George when I moved into the Southbridge community in 2017. It is little known fact George cared about his community a great deal and is reflective in him being a founding member to save the Southbridge Golf Course. As a matter of fact, upon successful purchase of the golf course, he suggested the name change to Southbridge Savannah Golf Course and adopted without hesitation.
We will miss George and seeing the #43 golf cart of the course.
May he rest in peace and Raider forever!
John w simmons friend Tommy Hart
November 7, 2025
My deepest condolences to his family.
Walter "Mezzo" Reddick
November 7, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Atkinson family and friends. George a/k/a Butch, Oil Can Harry was more than a football player, he was my friend and a friend to my family; Tina Reddick Stroud, Patricia Reddick Owens and my mama Johnnie Mae Reddick. We grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same school; Sol C Johnson High. We communicated often via cell phone, texts and in person when he would travel to the Atlanta area after he played for and retired from the Oakland Raiders. George was proud to wear the Blue & Orange in High School but told me that it didn't look good on him when he briefly played for the Denver Broncos. Rest In Peace my brother & friend.
Roy Russell Jr
November 4, 2025
Farewell, my friend. Rest In Power!
How you can show support
Ray Villanueva
November 2, 2025
Got to spend time with George and what a great Man & Personality He was. We both shared a love for music and one of His favorite songs he would always have me play "Its You That I Need"- by Enchantment. Condolences to His Family Rest in Peace George...
The Tommy Hart Family
November 1, 2025
The Tommy Hart Family
sends our deepest condolences for your loss.
Atkinson and Hart played college football together at Morris Brown College and were both drafted into the NFL in 1968. Their careers brought them to California, where they became rivals, Atkinson with the Oakland Raiders (AFC) and Hart with the San Francisco 49ers (NFC), two of the league´s most storied teams. Both were later honored as inductees into the Class of 2024 Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame.
Although the NFL took them in different directions after college, they remained lifelong friends, continuing to support one another throughout their careers, from playing and coaching to scouting and sports broadcasting within the NFL community.
May they both rest in Heavenly Peace.
With much love to your family,
The Hart Family
Chris
November 1, 2025
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of George Atkinson. May our Lord give you comfort and peace as you mourn his loss.
Robert Larson
November 1, 2025
To the family of George Atkinson.You have our Deepest sympathy at this time of need.From Don and Ann Larson and Bob Larson.My Mother Ann Larson Was the Biggest Oakland Raider Season Ticket Sales Lady in The Oakland Coliseum and at The Oakland Athletic Club at 2111 Franklin Street. In Oakland Ca.We All Watched you in Aww on TV. As well as In Oakland Ca.We Will Never Forget you and the Glory Days.The Steel Curtain.The Miracle Workers.The Most Winningest Team in Pro Football.Not Many Teams today can Compare to what the. Oakland Raiders were then.Than You George for your Awesome Works and your Team Members to make it so exciting for us and the World to See.You Left a Mark in US All you can´t get in NFL Today.Its Not Easy to See The Oakland Coliseum Sitting There Empty Today Without Thinking of You and Your Team Mates.You ALL Most Definitely Left Your Marks In US All.Now Your UP There With AL Davis and The Rest of Your Giants.The Unstoppable OAKLAND RAIDERS.Coach John Madden and Them ALL.To Many to List.Rest in Peace GEORGE.GOD BLESS You and Your LOVED ONES and All Your Loved Ones ABOVE. I hope to See you Above when it´s my Time.Thank you again for The Great Games and Memories.Sincerely Robert Bob Larson
Zennie Abraham
October 31, 2025
George, as far as I am concerned, you're always around. You were always a friend, and also one of the funniest people I've ever had the pleasure of calling friend. You were Oakland, as much as you were the Oakland Raiders. See you, my friend. God bless you up there!
RB
October 30, 2025
Such an amazing NFL player. He was a great part of both the Raiders and the Broncos in his career. He definitely left his mark with both teams. Prayers for the Atkinson family. May God be with you to help you in your time of loss.
Jean Lockhart
October 29, 2025
You will be truly missed my dear friend
Praying for comfort and peace for the family.
David Wilson
October 29, 2025
My condolences to your family. George left a legacy that will be remembered by many. Our Heavenly Father will also remember all the good things George did in behalf of others. May George rest peacefully in the loving memory of our Heavenly Father. May God also give comfort to your family.
Doc Dailey
October 29, 2025
So sorry we lost such s great man. We will all miss him.
Doug Hammerson
October 29, 2025
Rest in Peace Legend, from a lifelong Raiders fan
DB
October 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort give you peace during this difficult time of loss.
DE
October 28, 2025
Condolences to George´s family and friends and during this time of grief and sorrow. May Almighty God ( Psalm chapter 83 verse 18) strengthen and comfort you all in the coming days, months and year. I hope the fond memories of your loved one always be cherished.
Steven James Stanke
October 28, 2025
Hi,never met him but watched him play against Mn.Vikings.A pure player at his position. God just padded his defense. R.I.P.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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