Jack Tatum was an NFL defensive back from 1971 to 1980. He was a three time Pro Bowl selection (1973 1974, and 1975). He is best known for his brutal 1978 hit on New England Patriots' wide receiver Darryl Stingley , during a preseason game in Oakland. Stingley was rendered quadriplegic and hasn't spoken to Tatum since that day. Tatum never apologized for the hit. "I don't think I did anything wrong that I need to apologize for. It was a clean hit."

Tatum played his first nine seasons with the Raiders, before finishing his career with the Houston Oilers in 1980, when he recorded a career high 7 interceptions, to finish with a career total of 37.

Tatum was the starting Free Safety for the Raiders in Super Bowl XI.