Raiders Legend Diagnosed with Dementia at 87 – Can’t Speak, But Still Remembers Playing for the Raiders
Las Vegas, NV – The NFL community is mourning the heartbreaking news that Ron Mix, one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history and a key figure for the Oakland Raiders, has been diagnosed with dementia at the age of 87. This devastating condition has reportedly left Mix unable to speak and struggling to recognize those closest to him.
According to his family, the former star has been moved into a full-time care facility, the only place equipped to provide the round-the-clock medical support he now requires. His memory and cognitive abilities continue to decline rapidly, a stark contrast to the dynamic career that made him a legend in the NFL.
His wife shared an emotional update:
“He can’t speak anymore. He only remembers our children’s names and that he once played football. He doesn’t even know my name. Doctors say it’s Frontotemporal Dementia, and I believe the constant head trauma from his career in football caused it. This game gave him everything, and now, it’s taking his mind.”
The man she’s speaking about is Ron Mix, a Hall of Fame offensive tackle who played an integral role in the success of the Oakland Raiders. A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Mix was known for his incredible strength, technique, and leadership on the field. He was a key protector of quarterbacks and helped anchor the Raiders’ offensive line during their championship years.
Over his 12-year career with the Raiders and the San Diego Chargers, Mix became one of the most respected and dominant players in the NFL. He was a cornerstone of the Chargers’ offense, which led to multiple successful seasons, and he was known for his ability to neutralize even the toughest defensive players. His legacy was cemented with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, recognizing his impact on the game.
However, the physical toll of his career, particularly the head trauma that often comes with playing on the offensive line, has taken its toll. His current condition serves as a sobering reminder of the long-term risks many players face after their careers end. Despite his brilliance on the field, the lasting effects of these injuries have significantly impacted his quality of life in his later years.
Today, the glory of his playing days seems distant. Mix can only faintly recall his monumental accomplishments, including the team success he helped drive and the championship moments that solidified his place in NFL history. This reality is a devastating reflection of how cruel dementia can be, particularly for athletes who sacrificed so much for the game.
Across the Raiders' fanbase and the wider NFL community, former teammates, fans, and coaches have united with prayers and support. Ron Mix once embodied the toughness and determination that defined the Raiders — strong, unbreakable, and proud. Now, the hope is that the same resilient spirit that helped him dominate on the field will help him face the toughest battle of his life.
The Las Vegas Raiders have honored Mix's legacy by inducting him into the team’s Hall of Fame and recognizing his pivotal role in the franchise’s history. His contributions to the game will never be forgotten.
As the Raiders look ahead, the memory of Ron Mix’s incredible career will continue to resonate. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by athletes and the importance of supporting them through the challenges they face after their playing days are over.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ron Mix and his family during this difficult time. May his strength, courage, and lasting legacy continue to inspire all who know his story.
Seahawks Rookie Class Earns National Midseason Honors
In The Ringer’s annual Midseason All-Rookie Team, analyst Diante Lee spotlighted the league’s most impactful first-year players through eight weeks of the season. Two Seahawks made the list: guard Grey Zabel and safety Nick Emmanwori.
It’s a testament to how well Seattle’s 2025 draft class has adjusted to the NFL — and how quickly they’ve contributed to a team currently battling for position atop the NFC West.
Grey Zabel: A Foundation Piece Up Front
Zabel, the No. 18 overall pick out of North Dakota State, continues to validate Seattle’s decision to invest in its offensive line early in the draft. Lee described him as “maybe the only dependable blocker Seattle’s had in the run game this season,” praising his consistency and football IQ.
The rookie has played every offensive snap for the Seahawks through seven games, allowing zero sacks on more than 225 pass-blocking reps. That performance has been central to Seattle’s improved pass protection and balanced offense under head coach Mike Macdonald.
Zabel’s emergence gives the Seahawks something they’ve lacked in recent years — interior stability. His technique and awareness have drawn praise from former linemen and analysts alike, and his early success places him in the company of Dallas’ Tyler Booker, the other guard named to The Ringer’s midseason list.
Nick Emmanwori: A New Defensive Anchor
While Zabel has solidified the trenches, Nick Emmanwori has become one of Seattle’s most dynamic young defenders. Selected in the second round, the rookie safety has drawn lofty comparisons to Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton for his ability to line up everywhere — from slot coverage to the box.
“The Seahawks hybrid defender Emmanwori was supposed to be a much better blitzer and tackler than coverage player early on,” Lee wrote. “But he’s been a key piece in Seattle’s excellent pass defense this season.”
That pass defense currently ranks among the top 10 in the NFL in yards allowed per game, according to league statistics, and Emmanwori’s versatility has been a major factor. He’s logged multiple pass breakups, tackles for loss, and pressures off the edge — numbers that only hint at his full impact.
A Draft Class Paying Immediate Dividends
Zabel and Emmanwori’s inclusion reinforces what has quietly been one of the most productive rookie classes in the league. Both have stepped into starting roles and thrived in complex schemes — a rare feat for first-year players, particularly on a team with playoff aspirations.
As Lee summarized, this rookie group represents “the beginning of a trend” of smarter, more adaptable linemen and defenders entering the NFL. For the Seahawks, that trend has already arrived.
With Zabel fortifying the offensive front and Emmanwori emerging as a defensive cornerstone, Seattle’s 2025 draft class looks like a foundational piece for the franchise’s next chapter — one built on toughness, versatility, and football intelligence.
What’s Next For The Seahawks
The Seahawks are getting healthier out of bye week and are prepared to take on the Washington Commanders on November 2. Zabel and Emmanwori’s continued excellence will be a big part of Seattle’s challenge to an NFC West title.
