Former Raiders DE Tony Cline passed away at age 69

More sad news for the Raiders family, another Raiders alumni has passed away. This time it’s former Tony Cline who has passed away at the age of 69. Cline was a defensive end for the Raiders from 1970 to 1975 after playing his college football at the University of Miami. He also spent two more seasons across the Bay in San Francisco from 1976 to 1977.

The Raiders issued a statement on his passing after the announcement of his death.

The Raiders are saddened by the passing of Tony Cline. Cline, a standout defensive end for the Silver and Black from 1970-75, will be missed dearly by the Raiders family. The thoughts and prayers of the Raider Nation are with the Cline family at this time.

Cline was a starter for 57 out of his 72 games in Oakland. His signature career moment that he will be most remembered for was his rookie year in 1970 where he had 17.5 sacks which would be an AFC record. Sadly he won’t be credited with that record because sacks were not officially a statistic until 1982 but it is a huge achievement worth noting anyway.

Silver & Black Pride sends out their heartfelt condolences to Tony Cline’s family, including his surviving son Tony Cline, Jr. who also played in the NFL as a tight end from 1995-1999. Now he can once again join teams with Al Davis in the afterlife. Once a Raider, always a Raider.

RIP, Tony Cline.