Legends of the Silver and Black: Top 10 Las Vegas Raiders of All Time
The Top 10 Las Vegas Raiders of All Time isn’t just about the players who’ve donned the silver and black in Vegas. With a history spanning their time as the Oakland Raiders (twice) and Los Angeles Raiders, this storied franchise has produced countless legends.
Names like Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are obvious standouts, but greatness goes beyond just stats and accolades. Do Super Bowl wins outweigh personal milestones, or is it their lasting impact on the team’s identity that sets them apart? Each name on this list contributes to the legacy of one of football’s most iconic franchises.
Table of Contents
1. Marcus Allen
- Years Played for Team: 1982-1992
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 210 lbs
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Marcus Allen, an explosive force in the backfield, reshaped the identity of the Raiders during his tenure. Known for his versatility, Allen was effective as both a powerful runner and a reliable receiver out of the backfield.
His keen field vision and agility allowed him to make decisive cuts and find seams in defenses, often turning short gains into long runs.
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One of his most iconic moments came when he rushed for a then-Super Bowl record 191 yards, leading the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XVIII where he was named the MVP. His legacy endures as one of the greatest running backs in the franchise’s history.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl champion (XVIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (XVIII)
- NFL MVP (1985)
- First-team All-Pro (1985)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1985)
- NFL Rookie of the Year (1982)
- Named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2003)
2. Fred Biletnikoff
- Years Played for the Team: 1965-1978
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 190 lbs
Fred Biletnikoff was a pivotal figure for the Las Vegas Raiders, known for his exceptional route-running and sure-handed receptions. Despite not possessing blazing speed, Biletnikoff’s precise techniques and exceptional concentration made him a perennial favorite in quarterback Ken Stabler’s arsenal.
Over his 14-year career with the Raiders, he became famous for his clutch performances in key games, particularly in the postseason.
His impact was immortalized in the team’s Super Bowl XI victory, where he caught four significant passes, earning the Super Bowl MVP. Biletnikoff’s legacy endures as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, influencing future generations.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl XI Champion
- Super Bowl XI MVP
- Six-time Pro Bowl Selection
- Four-time First-team All-Pro
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988
3. Howie Long
- Years Played for Las Vegas Raiders: 1981-1993
- Position: Defensive End
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 268 lbs
Howie Long, a stalwart on the Raiders’ defensive line, was a relentless force from 1981 to 1993. Known for his tenacity and versatility, Long was a master at both pass rushing and stopping the run.
He possessed a unique combination of size, speed, and strength, which made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Long’s efforts were pivotal in leading the Raiders to a Super Bowl XVIII victory. A lifelong Raider, Long’s leadership and intensity left a lasting imprint on the franchise, earning him a cherished place in team history.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XVIII)
- 8× Pro Bowl selections
- 3× First-team All-Pro
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2000)
4. Kenny Stabler
- Years Played for Team: 1970-1979
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’3″ / 215 lbs
Kenny Stabler, known as “The Snake,” was a pivotal figure for the Raiders during the 1970s. With his calm demeanor and extraordinary football instincts, Stabler became synonymous with the Raiders’ swashbuckling style.
His ability to lead late-game comebacks made him a beloved figure amongst fans.
Stabler’s tenure with the Raiders was highlighted by his leadership in winning Super Bowl XI, where he demonstrated remarkable skill and poise. His powerful left arm and innate understanding of the game defined his playing style, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most charismatic quarterbacks in team history.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XI)
- NFL MVP (1974)
- 4× Pro Bowl selection (1973-1974, 1976-1977)
- NFL Passing Touchdowns Leader (1974, 1976)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2016)
5. Tim Brown
- Years played for the team: 1988-2003
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 195 lbs
Tim Brown, an iconic figure in the history of the Las Vegas Raiders, played as a dynamic wide receiver renowned for his exceptional speed, precise route running, and reliable hands. Over his 16-season tenure with the team, Brown became the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
His playing style was characterized by versatility, as he was also a proficient return specialist early in his career.
Remarkably, Brown’s consistency and durability allowed him to surpass 1,000 receiving yards for nine seasons. His leadership and talent greatly contributed to the team’s competitive spirit and success during his era.
- Accolades:
- 9x Pro Bowl selection
- 2x First-team All-Pro
- NFL receiving yards leader (1997)
- Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2015)
- 1,070 receptions, 14,734 receiving yards, 99 receiving touchdowns with Raiders
6. Gene Upshaw
- Years Played for the Team: 1967-1981
- Position: Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 255 lbs
Gene Upshaw was a dominant force on the offensive line for the Las Vegas Raiders (formerly known as the Oakland Raiders) over a distinguished 15-year career. Renowned for his exceptional strength and agility, Upshaw excelled in pass protection and run blocking, helping the Raiders to consistent success during his tenure.
As a team captain, he was instrumental in leading the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories.
His competitive edge and game intelligence made him a beloved figure among teammates and fans. Upshaw’s legacy extends beyond the field, with significant contributions to players’ rights in his post-playing career.
- Accolades:
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- 2-time Super Bowl Champion (Super Bowl XI, XV)
- 6-time Pro Bowl Selection
- Named to the NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams
7. Jim Otto
- Years played for said team: 1960-1974
- Position: Center
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 256 lbs
Jim Otto, a quintessential figure in the history of the Las Vegas Raiders, is a legendary center who played for the team from its inception in 1960 until his retirement in 1974. Known for his durability and toughness, Otto started every game during his 15-year career, becoming a backbone of the team’s offensive line.
His playing style was characterized by exceptional strength, technique, and leadership, which solidified his role as a key performer on the field. Otto’s legacy within the Raiders is marked by his unwavering commitment and his representation of the team’s gritty and resilient ethos.
- Accolades:
- 9× All-AFL selection (1961-1969)
- AFL All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1980)
- Raiders Hall of Fame Member
8. Jack Tatum
- Years Played for Team: 1971-1979
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 200 lbs
Jack Tatum, known as “The Assassin,” was a hard-hitting safety for the Oakland Raiders renowned for his ferocious playing style and intimidating presence on the field.
Standing at 5’10” and weighing 200 pounds, Tatum was a vital part of the Raiders’ defensive backfield during the 1970s, contributing to their aggressive and physical identity. He was instrumental in the team’s victory in Super Bowl XI and became infamous for his uncompromising tackles.
His legacy with the Raiders is marked by his ability to change the course of a game through sheer physicality and determination.
- Accolades:
- 3× Pro Bowl selection (1973, 1974, 1977)
- 1× First-team All-Pro (1973)
- Super Bowl XI Champion
- Oakland Raiders All-Time Team
- 30 career interceptions
9. Charles Woodson
- Years Played for Team: 1998-2005, 2013-2015
- Position: Cornerback/Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 210 lbs
Charles Woodson, a towering figure in Raiders history, first made his mark in the NFL when he was drafted in 1998. Known for his outstanding versatility, Woodson adapted seamlessly between cornerback and safety.
His aggressive playstyle and instinctual understanding of the game made him a staple in the Raiders’ defense.
Woodson’s leadership on and off the field was instrumental in guiding younger players, and he was a fan favorite throughout his tenure. Upon returning to the Raiders for the latter part of his career, he immediately became a defensive anchor, setting a standard for excellence and professionalism.
- Accolades:
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1998)
- 9× Pro Bowl selection
- 4× First-team All-Pro
- NFL interceptions leader (2009)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2021)
10. Bo Jackson
- Years Played for the Team: 1987-1990
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 227 lbs
Bo Jackson was one of the most electrifying athletes to ever grace an NFL field, leaving a lasting impact on the Las Vegas Raiders, then known as the Los Angeles Raiders. Known for his exceptional speed and power, Jackson was a dynamic running back who could break tackles and outrun defenders with ease.
His playing style was characterized by a blend of raw athleticism and finesse, making him a dual-threat as a runner and receiver.
Although his NFL career was cut short due to a hip injury, his key moments, such as memorable long touchdown runs, remain etched in Raiders history. Bo Jackson’s dual-sport legacy only cemented his mythic status in football lore.
- Accolades:
- 1989 Pro Bowl selection
- Averaged 5.4 yards per carry over his NFL career
- Rushing for 221 yards in a single game in 1987
