Powered by:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA
Contains commercial content
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Top 15 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders of All Time

Top 15 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders of All Time

The top 15 Raiders of All Time!
Publish Date: 06/20/2023
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

Another difficult list to compile as the Raiders have several of the all-time greats. As always, no active players will be included.

15) Dave Casper

This one will spark some controversy because Casper had similar years to another Raider favorite not on this list, Todd Christensen. Both tight ends were the favorite target of their quarterback and both had shorter stints with the Raiders. I gave the edge to Casper because in terms of their eras, the numbers are comparable, but Casper also came up big in the playoffs, especially in Super Bowl 11 and the 1977 overtime classic against the Colts with the “Ghost to the Post”.

Casper was also named to five Pro Bowls and was a four-time First-Team All-Pro, which helped him get into the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Video: Raiders Great HOFer TE Dave Casper

Raiders Great HOFer TE Dave Casper

14) Jim Plunkett

Plunkett has to be on this list because of winning two Super Bowls and being MVP of Super Bowl 15. He would be higher but he didn’t have a long career in Oakland/Los Angeles, had a 75.7 quarterback rating as a Raider and threw more interceptions than touchdowns (81-80).

Video: Jim Plunkett | Oakland Raiders

Jim Plunkett | Oakland Raiders

13 ) Jack Tatum

“The Assassin” was a real force for the Raiders from 1971-1979 as he would lay the wood on any would-be receiver and cause real intimidation for opponents. The 3-time Pro Bowler finished with 30 interceptions during his time with the Raiders but it was his leadership and presence that moves him a little higher on this list.

Read our article on Tatum here to see why he was one of the best ever in Raiders history.

Video: THE ASSASSIN | Jack Tatum | Raiders History

THE ASSASSIN | Jack Tatum | Raiders History

12 ) Lester Hayes

Hayes was one of the Raiders’ most steady defensive players from 1977-1986. He finished with 39 Interceptions and was a 5-time Pro Bowler and was an All-Pro in 1980 when he had the big 13 Interception year.

I wanted to get fellow corner Michael Haynes on this list, but most of his best years were with the Patriots.

Video: Lester Hayes

Lester Hayes

11) Ted Hendricks

“The Stork” was one of the leaders of the Raiders from 1975-1983 as he helped the defense during their three Super Bowl wins.

At 6’8, he was able to be a force in pass protection and on the field goal blocking team. As one of the best defenders in Raiders history, he was named to two All-Pro teams and had four Pro Bowl appearances to go with his Hall of Fame induction in 1990.

Video: Ted Hendricks

Ted Hendricks

10) Fred Biletnikoff

Biletnikoff was one of the steadiest and consistent receivers of the 1970s and was a big part of the Raiders’ Super Bowl run in 1976 where he finished as the MVP of Super Bowl

He was a favorite target of both Ken Stabler and Daryle Lamonica and would usually be the guy to come up with a big reception on third down.

Biletnikoff was also a two-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler, and got elected to the Hall of Fame in 1988.

Video: Fred Biletnikoff Highlights

Fred Biletnikoff Highlights

9) Ken Stabler

Stabler was one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the history of the NFL when you look at his comebacks and big touchdowns in playoff games. If the Raiders could keep the game close, more often than not, Stabler would find a way to win the game.

He had a great season in 1976 when he led the Raiders to a 13-1 record and a win in Super Bowl 11 over the Vikings. Stabler finished as the all-time leading passer in Raiders history and was named to four Pro Bowls as well as an All-Pro and MVP season in 1974.

He’d probably be higher if he had a couple more great seasons in Oakland, but was rightly inducted into the Hall of Fame after his passing in 2015.

Video: Oakland Raiders History-Ken Stabler

Oakland Raiders History-Ken Stabler

8) Willie Brown

Who can forget Willie Brown’s pick-six in Super Bowl 11, in slow motion? It’s one of the iconic images in NFL history, but Willie Brown’s career was much more than that.

After coming to the Raiders in 1967, he racked up 39 interceptions and was the leader of the secondary for years to come.

Brown also doesn’t get the credit he deserves for pretty much-inventing bump and run coverage and helped players like Mike Haynes and Lester Hayes take the torch after him to also become great in coverage.

He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1984 and had 9 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pros on his resume.

Video: OLD MAN WILLIE | Willie Brown | Raiders History

OLD MAN WILLIE | Willie Brown | Raiders History

7) Howie Long

While many recognize Howie Long as a Fox Sports analyst, those that watched him play remember what a great player he was.

Long was very versatile, able to get a pass rush from nose tackle, defensive end or defensive tackle. He could essentially play all five positions when you consider he played on 4-3 and 3-4 defenses.

He finished second in Raiders history with 84 sacks, went to 8 Pro Bowls and was named to 2 All-Pro teams. Long was rightly inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

Video: CAVEMAN | Howie Long | Raiders History

CAVEMAN | Howie Long | Raiders History

6) Art Shell

Shell joined the Raiders in 1968 and got the starting job at left tackle in 1969. From that point to 1979, he didn’t miss any games and by the time he retired after the 1982 season, he only missed 7 games.

Shell was considered enormous at 300 lbs throughout the 1970s and was one of the most dominant tackles in NFL history as he would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989. He also went to the Pro Bowl 8 times and was a two-time All-Pro.

Video: Art Shell emotionally explains what it means to make All-Time Team

Art Shell emotionally explains what it means to make All-Time Team

5) Cliff Branch

Cliff Branch is one of the most underrated receivers in the history of the league and should be in the Hall of Fame.

He was one of the best deep threats the game has ever seen and his world-class sprinting speed opened up the offense for players like Dave Casper, Todd Christensen, and Fred Biletnikoff.

His presence greatly helped the offense during all 3 Super Bowl seasons and his numbers exceed those of current Hall of Famers like Lynn Swann.

Branch was also a 3-time All-Pro and named to 4 Pro Bowls.

Video: Cliff Branch

Cliff Branch

4) Jim Otto

Jim Otto was one of the most consistent and toughest players in Raiders history. The long-time anchor of the offensive line at center would make the Pro Bowl 12 times, first-team All-Pro 10 times, and made the All-AFL team 10 straight seasons.

It’s too bad he retired in 1974 and wasn’t around for the Super Bowl win in 1976 because he was one of the reasons the Raiders became great. Otto got into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

Video: Jim Otto: Ironman

Jim Otto: Ironman

3) Tim Brown

For the first several years of his career, Tim Brown was the team’s dangerous punt returner, but by 1993, Brown was catching about 80 passes a year and opening up the passing game.

Brown was one of the most consistent receivers of the 1990s and 2000s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, which went nicely with his 9 Pro Bowls. He is still the Raiders’ all-time leading receiver.

Video: Tim Brown Highlights

Tim Brown Highlights

2) Gene Upshaw

Like Art Shell, Upshaw started in the 1960s and played into the 1980s and was one of the two best guards during his career (John Hannah).

Upshaw was the leader of probably the finest offensive line in the history of the NFL and helped the Raiders to their first two Super Bowl wins before retiring. He held Vikings’ great Jim Marshall to ZERO statistics (tackles, etc) in Super Bowl 11.

He had five All-Pro selections as well as seven Pro Bowl appearances in his career and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1987.

Video: 1977 Raiders

1977 Raiders

1) Marcus Allen

Marcus Allen was the epitome of consistency and was the heart and soul of the Raiders during the 1980s.

His best play is still the best play in Raiders’ history, the 74-yard field-reversal in Super Bowl 18 against the Redskins.

He could block, receive, rush and even pass, all at elite levels. Todd Christensen said he could throw better than their quarterbacks.

Allen won the rookie of the year award in 1982, MVP in 1985 and Super Bowl MVP in 1983 and he’s the only player ever to accomplish all 3.

He finished 12th all-time in rushing and 3rd all-time in touchdowns, despite missing 5 years due to splitting time with other backs.

Allen finished his career with two All-Pro’s and five Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.

Video: Marcus Allen - Super Bowl XVIII

Marcus Allen – Super Bowl XVIII

Players that would have made a Top 20 list – Ray Guy, Phil Villapiano, George Blanda, Todd Christensen, and Warren Wells.

Video: Marcus Allen Highlights

Marcus Allen Highlights

Read Also
Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89)
Many of us dream of celebrity sports fame, but only cruel individuals ...
Oakland Raiders All-Time Team: Just Win Baby!
Narrowing down the Raiders elite seems nearly impossible. There are so many ...
Bet365 Promo
Grading every NFL team’s picks from the 2021 NFL Draft
Quickly, click away if you’re going to get upset by reading draft ...
Sam Teets 2021 NFL three-round predictive mock draft 6.0
This is a predictive NFL mock draft and my final of the ...
Predicting the next five Pro Football Hall of Fame classes
Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio is ...
Ranking the top 200 players in the NFL ahead of the 2021 season
This list isn’t based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. ...
Top 100 NFL free agents entering the 2021 offseason
Below is a list of the top 100 free agents available this ...
Active NFL players who rank among the Top 100 of All-Time
The sports geek in my thrives on articles, lists, programs, and shows ...
Sportsbook of the month
Bet365 - Get your Bonus Bet now! Get your Bonus Bet now!
Latest News
Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89)
Many of us dream of celebrity sports fame, ...
Top 10 Most Dominant Players in College Basketball History
This is not the most outstanding players list; ...
Top 10 Most Controversial Games in NFL Playoff History
Controversy sells and NFL officiating have led to ...
Top 10 Alabama(Football) Players of All Time
Let's get this straight before everybody starts complaining ...
Our Latest YouTube Videos
Video: Indiana Basketball Weekly: IU/Maryland Recap, Hoosiers with come from behind win!
Indiana Basketball Weekly: IU/Maryland Recap, Hoosiers with come from behind win!
Video: Indiana Basketball Weekly: IU/Penn State recap and IU/Nebraska Preview!
Indiana Basketball Weekly: IU/Penn State recap and IU/Nebraska Preview!
Video: Indiana Basketball Weekly: IU/Penn State Preview W/Alec Lasley from Hoosier Illustrated!
Indiana Basketball Weekly: IU/Penn State Preview W/Alec Lasley from Hoosier Illustrated!
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Bet365
Bet365
Bet365 Review
4.7/5
BetMGM
BetMGM
BetMGM Review
4.7/5
FanDuel
FanDuel
FanDuel Review
4.6/5
Caesars
Caesars
Caesars Review
4.5/5
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.5/5
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 OR Bet $5 and Get $150
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
At bet365 we don't do ordinary, that's why if you sign up now you'll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 or Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
FanDuel
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Caesars
Caesars Bonus
100% up to $1000
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
DraftKings
DraftKings Bonus
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJosh SchwartzSimon BriffaMark LewisSamuel Teets
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Josh Schwartz
Josh Schwartz
Editor
Simon Briffa
Simon Briffa
Sports Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.

Close
Players accepted in the US US Flag
Stake.us Exclusive Bonus
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Promo Code
Copy
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
Payment Methods
Bitcoin
Litecoin
Ethereum
Dogecoin
Highlights
  • Exclusive promo code: TGTSOCIAL
  • Play Plinko, Hilo, Crash and more!
  • Get Stake Cash bonuses every day!
Stake Originals
Dice
Crash
Plinko
Mines
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Visit Site