Vella started for three consecutive seasons, including 1976 — the same season he helped Oakland defeat the Minnesota Vikings, 32-14, in Super Bowl XI.

Vella started 14 games at right tackle during the 1976 season, culminating with three starts in the postseason as the Raiders defeated the Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI.

During the 1976 season, Vella started in 14 games for the then-Oakland Raiders and made three playoff starts as the team went on to beat the Vikings, 32-14, in Super Bowl XI.

John Vella, an offensive lineman who started for the Super Bowl XI-winning Oakland Raiders, has passed away at the age of 74, the team announced on Wednesday.

The Raiders’ Super Bowl wins per year were in the 1976, 1980, and 1983 NFL seasons. What is intriguing about the Raiders’ championship history is that none of the games were close.

Vella started 14 games at right tackle during the 1976 season, culminating with three starts in the postseason as the Raiders defeated the Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI.