Raiders’ Hall of Fame quarterback George Blanda dies at age 83

Raiders say Hall of Fame quarterback Blanda dies

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders say Hall of Fame quarterback George Blanda has died. He was 83.

A Raiders’ spokesman confirmed the death Monday. The team is expected to release a statement later Monday.

Blanda spent 26 seasons in the NFL as a quarterback and kicker while playing for three different teams. He spent 10 seasons with Chicago, seven with the Houston Oilers and nine with the Raiders before retiring in 1976 at the age of 48.

Blanda was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 1, 1981.