Professional Football Player. For ten seasons (1971 to 1980), he played at the defensive-back (free-safety) position in the National Football League with the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers. Born John David Tatum, he was raised in New Jersey, where he attended Passaic High School. He played collegiate football at Ohio State University, and became widely known for his crushing hits he delivered to players he defended against (which carried over into his professional career). While with the Buckeyes, he earned consensus All-American status in 1969, First Team All-American honors in 1970, and was named National Defensive Player of the Year in 1970. Tatum was chosen by the Raiders during the 1st round of the 1971 NFL Draft, and appeared in 106 career regular season games, recording 37 interceptions for 736 yards. While with Oakland, he earned Pro Bowl status three consecutive years (1973 to 1975), and was a key member of their Super Bowl XI championship squad in 1977. Tatum may perhaps be best remembered by many for delivering a hit on New England Patriots' receiver Darryl Stingley during a preseason game on August 12, 1978, which left him paralyzed. Following his football career, Tatum became a land developer. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981, and enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. In later years he suffered from diabetes, and died from a heart attack.
Professional Football Player. For ten seasons (1971 to 1980), he played at the defensive-back (free-safety) position in the National Football League with the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers. Born John David Tatum, he was raised in New Jersey, where he attended Passaic High School. He played collegiate football at Ohio State University, and became widely known for his crushing hits he delivered to players he defended against (which carried over into his professional career). While with the Buckeyes, he earned consensus All-American status in 1969, First Team All-American honors in 1970, and was named National Defensive Player of the Year in 1970. Tatum was chosen by the Raiders during the 1st round of the 1971 NFL Draft, and appeared in 106 career regular season games, recording 37 interceptions for 736 yards. While with Oakland, he earned Pro Bowl status three consecutive years (1973 to 1975), and was a key member of their Super Bowl XI championship squad in 1977. Tatum may perhaps be best remembered by many for delivering a hit on New England Patriots' receiver Darryl Stingley during a preseason game on August 12, 1978, which left him paralyzed. Following his football career, Tatum became a land developer. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981, and enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. In later years he suffered from diabetes, and died from a heart attack.
Bio by: C.S.
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