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The team posted on its Twitter account: "The
Raiders mourn the passing of Warren Wells, who was an integral
part of the Raiders' vaunted vertical passing game. He will
forever be a part of Raiders lore. The thoughts and prayers of
the entire #RaiderNation are with the Wells family at this
time."
Wells was a major star for the Raiders from 1967-70 before
off-the-field problems derailed his career.
He caught 156 passes for 3,634 yards and 42 touchdowns in 56
games with the team. The touchdown receptions rank fifth in team
history, and his 23.3 yards per catch rank first for players
with 100 or more receptions.
Wells topped 1,000 yards twice for the Raiders. He averaged 26.8
yards per catch in 1969 when he caught 47 passes for 1,260 yards
and 14 touchdowns.
Wells missed the 1971 season after being sent to prison for 10
months for violating probation related to an attempted rape
case.
Wells attempted a comeback with the Raiders the following season
but was released.
"John Madden told me that if Warren Wells could have kept his
life straight, he would have been the greatest receiver in the
history of the Oakland Raiders," former Raiders wide receiver
Cliff Branch told raiders.com.
Wells also played nine games for the Detroit Lions in 1964.
--Field Level Media
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