Former Raider Quarterback and Clovis native Daryle Lamonica passes away at 80

Police and an ambulance were called to Lamonica’s home in Fresno to investigate a potential natural death. Lamonica’s son Brandon confirmed to FOX26 News that his father had passed away.

Lamonica was nicknamed “The Mad Bomber” for his incredible throwing arm, now going down in history as the third-leading passer of anyone with the Raiders. At the time, that team was based in Oakland, rather than Las Vegas. At one point, he held the record for most passes attempted, most completions, total yards, and touchdown passes for the Raiders.

He led them to four back-to-back division titles between 1967 and 1970, and took the Raiders to Super Bowl II.

Before his professional career, Lamonica grew up in the Central Valley, playing as an all-state quarterback at Clovis High School. The school named its stadium after him in 1974. He was also an inaugural honoree at the Clovis Unified Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Clovis High School Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

The Clovis Unified School District said in a statement Thursday that Lamonica’s passing meant the loss of an icon, continuing,

“I cherished him.” Though it’s a sad time, he won’t pass away. He will not die,” Stockton remarked. “The loss is unreplaceable and cannot be replaced. Still, the memories will always be there. He was among the kindest, warmest, and most endearing individuals I have ever encountered.

Lamonica’s high school yearbook shows that he wasn’t just a star in football, however. He was the captain of the baseball team; he lettered on the track team, competing in discus throwing and broad jumping; he played shortstop on the varsity baseball team; and he was class president his senior year.

“Daryle Lamonica has no seconds. He’s a top guy,” said Stockton.

Lamonica was 80 years old. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office confirms he died of natural causes.