A Coffee Break with Jim Otto

Both on and off the field, Jim Otto embodies the Oakland Raiders experience: toughness, dedication, loyalty, innovation and success. You probably already know plenty about Mr. Otto’s Hall of Fame career with the Raiders from 1960 through 1974. During that span, he never missed a game, his famed “00” jersey at the center of a ferocious line that anchored one of the NFL’s most prolific and fearsome offenses.

While Mr. Otto remains an active member of the Raiders family and team operations, he is also an entrepreneur with a record of success in retail, restaurants, real estate and farming. His latest venture is coffee, and when Raider Take recently spotlighted his Jim Otto’s Special Blend Whole Bean Coffee, he wrote to thank readers for their interest.

Amid all of the speculation regarding the head coach hiring, Raider Take was inspired to take a virtual coffee break and ask Mr. Otto more about his java venture. He was kind enough to answer, and what follows is our exchange via email:

What are the origins of your Special Blend?

For a long time I have been making the coffee at home. I have a friend with a roaster. We roasted Colombian Select Beans and flavored them with my SECRET flavoring, everyone loves it. Everyone who would drink it would tell me that I should market and sell it. I grind enough to make two pots and bring it to work with me every morning. After being told by fellow workers to market it, I decided to give it a try. I do not make any profit on the sales, the profits go to my young friend who owns the coffee roaster. I’m trying to help him get his business going.

How would you describe your coffee?

The aroma is fantastic, as is the flavor and body. It will give your mind and body a kick to get your day started, and a good start once again in the late afternoon. I like strong coffee but not the bitter strong coffee that you get at moonbucks coffee shops.

What’s the best way to brew your Special Blend?

I grind the beans into an espresso grind. Doing it this way you get all the greatness and flavor out of the beans. Use good pure water and three level tablespoons of coffee, which will make up to 10 cups. Store your unused coffee in an airtight container.

Was coffee a big part of your playing days with the Raiders?

Our trainers and equipment managers made the worst coffee, so needless to say I didn’t drink much of theirs!

Where can Raiders fans buy your coffee?

You can buy my coffee at THE RAIDER IMAGE stores here in the Bay Area or you can order it from THE RAIDER IMAGE on RAIDERS.COM.