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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.
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.
Vella started for three consecutive seasons, including 1976 — the same season he helped Oakland defeat the Minnesota 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.
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 ...
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.