Oakland Raiders issue statement on passing of Sam McKenzie Jr.

July 17 (UPI) -- The Oakland Raiders issued a statement on the death of general manager Reggie McKenzie's father on Monday.

Sam McKenzie Jr. was 82-years-old. He died Thursday.

"The Raiders family is saddened by the passing of Sam McKenzie Jr., father of Reggie and Raleigh McKenzie," the Raiders' statement said. "The thoughts and prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with the McKenzie family."

Reggie and Raleigh McKenzie are twin brothers. They have a younger brother named Sam.

McKenzie Jr. lived in East Knoxville, Tenn., close to the University of Tennessee.

Reggie, Raleigh and Reggie's son, Kahlil all attended the school. Kahlil McKenzie is a junior defensive lineman for the Volunteers. Raleigh now works in the Raiders' player personnel department.

Sam McKenzie worked for 34 years with the Tennessee Department of Human Resources. He was named Boss of the Year in 1976, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. McKenzie was married to wife Janie Dolores Parsons for 30 years.

Reggie starred as a Tennessee linebacker from 1981 to 1984 before joining the Los Angeles Raiders, Phoenix Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers in the NFL. He worked in the Green Bay Packers' front office before joining the Raiders in 2012. Raleigh was an offensive lineman for the Volunteers in that same timeframe. He played for the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and the Packers in the pro ranks.

Raleigh was also a two-time Super Bowl champion during his 16-year playing career, winning both rings with the Redskins..

The Raiders are 30-50 since McKenzie's arrival. After finishing 11-37 in his first three seasons with the franchise, the Raiders are 19-13 in the last two seasons under McKenzie.