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

John Vella, an offensive lineman who played eight seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Raiders, has died at the age of 74.

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.

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.

Jan 9, 1977, Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders head coach John Madden gets a victory ride after defeating the Minnesota Vikings during Super Bowl XI at the Rose Bowl. The Raiders ...

Receiver Fred Biletnikoff, left, and quarterback Ken Stabler of the Oakland Raiders proudly hold up one finger, indicating their team is No. 1, after defeating the Minnesota Vikings in the XI ...

John Vella, an offensive lineman who played eight seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Raiders, has died at the age of 74.