Jack Tatum

John David Tatum (November 18, 1948 – July 27, 2010) was an American professional football safety who played ten seasons in the National Football League from 1971 through 1980. Nicknamed "the Assassin" for his playing style, he spent nine seasons with the Oakland Raiders before finishing his career with the Houston Oilers.

Tatum played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he won a national championship and was named an All-American twice, in 1969 and 1970. The Raiders selected him in the first round of the 1971 NFL draft, and he earned a reputation as a fierce competitor and one of the hardest hitters ever to play the game. He was voted to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 1973 through 1975 and played on one Super Bowl-winning team during his time in Oakland.

Tatum was noted for his involvement in the Immaculate Reception play during a 1972 playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is also known for a hit he made against New England Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley in a 1978 preseason game that paralyzed Stingley from the neck down.

Tatum is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.