Top 10 Oakland Raiders of All-Time
As a die-hard Raiders fan, I’ve spent countless hours debating and researching this topic. Here are my top picks for the greatest Oakland Raiders of all time.
Curiosities and Interesting Information
- The Oakland Raiders were founded in 1960 and played in Oakland until 1982, when they moved to Los Angeles.
- The team returned to Oakland in 1995 and played at the Oakland Coliseum until 2019, when they moved to Las Vegas.
- The Raiders have won three Super Bowl championships, in 1976, 1980, and 1983.
- The team has retired the numbers of six players: Jim Otto, Art Shell, Gene Upshaw, Ken Stabler, Willie Brown, and Ray Guy.
- Al Davis, the longtime owner of the Raiders, is famous for his slogan Just win, baby!
Top 10 Oakland Raiders of All-Time
- Howie Long: Long played defensive end for the Raiders from 1981 to 1993 and was a key part of their dominant defense in the 1980s. He was named to eight Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
- Tim Brown: Brown played wide receiver for the Raiders from 1988 to 2003 and is the team’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He was named to nine Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
- Jim Plunkett: Plunkett played quarterback for the Raiders from 1978 to 1986 and led the team to two Super Bowl victories. He was named the MVP of Super Bowl XV and is the only eligible quarterback with two Super Bowl wins who is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Kenny Stabler: Stabler played quarterback for the Raiders from 1970 to 1979 and led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 1977. He was named the NFL MVP in 1974 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, posthumously.
- Gene Upshaw: Upshaw played left guard for the Raiders from 1967 to 1981 and was a key part of their dominant offensive line in the 1970s. He was named to six Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
- Bo Jackson: Jackson played running back for the Raiders from 1987 to 1990 and was one of the most electrifying players in NFL history. He was a two-sport star, also playing baseball for the Kansas City Royals, and is the only athlete to be named an All-Star in both sports.
- Art Shell: Shell played left tackle for the Raiders from 1968 to 1982 and was a key part of their dominant offensive line in the 1970s. He was named to eight Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
- Jack Tatum: Tatum played safety for the Raiders from 1971 to 1979 and was known as one of the most feared hitters in NFL history. He was a key part of their dominant defense in the 1970s and was named to three Pro Bowls.
- Ray Guy: Guy played punter for the Raiders from 1973 to 1986 and was the first punter ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He was a key part of their dominant special teams in the 1970s and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Charles Woodson: Woodson played cornerback and safety for the Raiders from 1998 to 2005 and again from 2013 to 2015. He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1998 and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. He was named to nine Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
FAQs
Who is the greatest Oakland Raiders player of all time?
While there is no one definitive answer to this question, many fans and experts would argue that Howie Long, Tim Brown, or Jim Plunkett deserves this title.
How many Super Bowls have the Oakland Raiders won?
The Raiders have won three Super Bowl championships, in 1976, 1980, and 1983.
Which Oakland Raiders players have had their numbers retired?
The Raiders have retired the numbers of six players: Jim Otto, Art Shell, Gene Upshaw, Ken Stabler, Willie Brown, and Ray Guy.
Who owns the Oakland Raiders?
The Raiders are currently owned by Mark Davis, the son of longtime owner Al Davis.