Jack Tatum was certainly no one-hit wonder. But he will forever be remembered for and inexorably tied to one hit.

The former Oakland Raiders safety, aptly named "The Assassin" for his vicious hits on opposing receivers, although legal in the NFL at the time, made him the most feared player of his day.

Tatum passed away Tuesday from a heart attack, the result of complications with diabetes. He was 61.

For as talented a player as he was, earning All-Pro honors in a 10-year NFL career, Tatum will always be remembered most for one hit.

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Paul Stanford Paul Stanford is the sports editor for the Madera Tribune. You can contact Paul at 674.8134 ext. 225 or e-mail at pstanford (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.