Raiders legend Daryle Lamonica passes away at age 80

Former NFL quarterback Daryle Lamonica died at age 80. Robert Johnson / The Tennessean via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Raiders legend Daryle Lamonica passes away at the age of 80

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 4/21/22

Daryle Lamonica defined a bygone era of Raiders football — one that was defined by hard hitting and pure dominance.

Unfortunately, a Las Vegas Raiders organization that has dealt with a ton of losses recently is now mourning the passing of Lamonica at the age of 80 years old.

The five-time Pro Bowl quarterback’s son, Brandon, confirmed to Fox 26 News in Northern California on Thursday that Lamonica passed away from natural causes.

Lamonica came to the professional ranks after starring under head coach Joe Kuharich at Notre Dame from 1960-62.

After four seasons as a backup with the Bills, Lamonica was traded to the Raiders in March 1967 for a package including all-time great Raiders legend Tom Flores.

The rest is pretty much history. Lamonica led the Raiders to a 36-4-1 record in his first three seasons as the team’s starter under John Rauch and the late, great John Madden. That included a Super Bowl appearance in his first season.

In 1969, Lamonica led the AFL in completions, attempts, passing yards and touchdowns en route to earning AFL MVP. He finished his storied career with the Raiders in 1974. He’s still fourth in Raiders history in passing yards and third all time in passing touchdowns.

Lamonica was more than a pure football player and statistics. He remained a key figure around Raider Nation following his retirement. He was a community leader and a family man.

As for the Raiders and others close to the Vegas-based team, this is another sad day in an era filled with too many of them. That includes the recent death of legendary former head coach John Madden.

The Raiders have also lost the likes of Cliff Branch and Kenny Stabler in recent years. Lamonica’s death hit those close to the organization pretty hard.

“Daryle remained an integral special part of the Raiders organization well after his playing days ended. I shall forever appreciate and cherish the memories of watching practice and games with him and of discussing team and league business with him. When one thinks of the Raiders, one should always think of Daryle.

“He was tremendous on the field, he was tremendous off the field.”
Former Raiders CEO Amy Trask to Sportsnaut on the death of Daryle Lamonica

Our thoughts go out to Lamonica’s family and friends as well as the entire Raiders’ football family during these most difficult of times.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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