John Vella, who spent eight seasons in the NFL and won a title with the Raiders, died on Wednesday, the team announced.

He led the AFC in sacks and helped propel Oakland to an 11-3 regular-season record. John Matuszak, right, had a troubled past, but what difference would another nut make on the Raiders.

Football: Oakland Raiders coach John Madden on sidelines with John Matuszak (72) and John Vella (75) during game vs New England Patriots at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Oakland, CA 12/18/1976 ...