Former Raiders WR Art Powell dies at age 78

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Art Powell, who led the AFL in yards receiving in back-to-back years for the New York Titans and Oakland Raiders, has died. He was 78.

Powell died at his home near San Diego on Monday night. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Powell had been dealing with heart and other health problems and had recently spent a week in the hospital.

The Raiders said in a statement that Powell's ''strong convictions and athletic prowess helped shape the pro football landscape of the 1960s.''

Powell played 10 years in the NFL and AFL for the Eagles, Titans, Raiders, Bills and Vikings. He led the AFL with 1,130 yards receiving in 1962 for the Titans before joining the Raiders the following season.

He had his best success in Oakland, leading the AFL with 1,301 yards and 16 touchdown catches in 1963 in Al Davis' first year as coach. Powell had 1,361 yards receiving the following season.

He ended his career with 479 catches for 8,046 yards and 81 touchdowns. He was a first-team All-Pro in 1960 and `63 and made four Pro Bowls in his career.

Powell's older brother, Charlie, who played in the NFL and boxed against Cassius Clay, died last year.

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