Hurricane Legend Jim Otto Returns To Miami
Nov. 4, 2011
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Saturday will mark the anticipated return of former Hurricane legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Otto to his alma mater, where he will serve as the East Coast Public Adjustors Honorary Captain for the Homecoming game against Duke.
“To be back here at the university is a tremendous pleasure. It’s a privilege, really,” Otto said. “I got an opportunity to come to the University of Miami in 1956. To come back and see how the university has developed, and all the things they’ve accomplished within the various academic programs at the university, I’m very proud of it all.”
The Wausau, Wis. native, inducted into the UM Football Ring of Honor in 2008, is among the most accomplished offensive linemen to have ever played the game of football. After his time spent as a center and linebacker at Miami (1957-59), Otto signed with the Oakland Raiders of the American Football League. The center quickly developed into an All-Pro player, earning his first All-AFL selection in 1960 and proceeding to earn the designation for ten consecutive years (1960-69). He became the first Hurricane inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility (1980), and finished his storied career with 12 All-Pro selections.
“I’m proud to be a leader. I was the first Hurricane to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and I’m very proud of it,” Otto said. “People ask me about it and I’m very proud to say, `yes, that was me.’ “
Otto spoke with members of the current Hurricanes on Friday after the football team’s final practice in preparation for their game against Duke.
“Seeing those young athletes, and knowing what they’ve gone through this year, with some of the pitfalls and problems they’ve had, they’re still doing well and they’re going to do even better,” Otto said. “Coach Golden will get them going. They’re going to be a very good team.”
The 73-year old Otto, who was also named to the 2011 Football Championship Game Legends Class by the ACC, will be honored at the ACC Night of Legends event on Friday, Dec. 2 and during ceremonies at Bank of America Stadium during the Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship.
“It’s thrilling for me to come back and see all of this,” Otto said. “With some of the folks that I’ve met and I know here at the university, I enjoy having been around here for so many years.”
