Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in the Las Vegas area. They play in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division. The team plays its home games at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, and its office is in Henderson, Nevada.

The Raiders were founded on January 30, 1960, and were first based in Oakland, California. They played their first game on September 11, 1960, as one of the first teams in the American Football League (AFL). In 1970, the AFL and NFL joined together. The team almost had a different name when it started. They moved to Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994 and then went back to Oakland. On March 27, 2017, NFL owners agreed to let the Raiders move to the Las Vegas area. The team moved there on January 22, 2020.

The Raiders have won many titles, including four AFC championships and three Super Bowl championships. As of the end of the NFL's 2024 season, the Raiders have a strong record in games played.

History

See also: History of the Las Vegas Raiders, Oakland Raiders, and Los Angeles Raiders

Oakland (1960–1981)

The city of Oakland, California got its first American Football League team on January 30, 1960. Local leaders formed a group to support the team, led by Y. Charles (Chet) Soda, a real estate developer. The team was first called the Oakland Señors, but this was changed to the Oakland Raiders after some jokes.

The team played its first games at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco and later moved to Candlestick Park. They finished their first season with a 6–8 record and had money problems. In 1962, they moved to Frank Youell Field in Oakland while Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum was being built.

In 1966, Al Davis joined as head coach and general manager, changing the team colors to silver and black. Under Davis, the team improved and used slogans like "Commitment to Excellence" and "Just Win, Baby."

1967: AFL champions

In 1967, with head coach John Rauch and quarterback Daryle Lamonica, the Raiders finished the season 13–1 and won the 1967 AFL Championship, beating the Houston Oilers 40–7. They went to Super Bowl II, where they lost to the Green Bay Packers.

1968–1975

Under coach John Madden, the Raiders became one of the best teams in the NFL. They were known for their strong players and good performances. In 1970, the AFL joined the NFL, and the Raiders became part of the American Football Conference (AFC).

In 1976, the Raiders won Super Bowl XI, beating the Minnesota Vikings 32–14. Hall of Fame wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff was named Super Bowl MVP.

1977–1979

The next few seasons saw the Raiders reach the playoffs but lose tough games. In 1980, under head coach Tom Flores, the Raiders won Super Bowl XV, becoming the first wild card team to win a Super Bowl.

Los Angeles (1982–1994)

In 1982, the Raiders moved to Los Angeles after trying to improve their stadium in Oakland. The team had future Hall of Famers like running back Marcus Allen and defensive lineman Howie Long.

In 1983, the Raiders won Super Bowl XVIII, beating the Washington Redskins 38–9. Running back Marcus Allen was named Super Bowl MVP.

Oakland (1995–2019)

In 1995, the Raiders returned to Oakland. Under head coach Jon Gruden, the team reached Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003 but lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48–21.

Las Vegas (2020–present)

In 2020, the Raiders moved to Las Vegas. They played their home games without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, head coach Jon Gruden left after some emails were revealed. The team finished the season with a 10–7 record and made the playoffs but lost in the Wild Card Round.

In 2022, Josh McDaniels became head coach, but was later fired. Antonio Pierce took over as interim head coach and was later named the permanent head coach. In 2025, Pete Carroll was hired as head coach but was fired after one season.

Championships

AFL championships

The Oakland Raiders ended the 1967 season with a good record, winning the 1967 AFL Championship. But they lost to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl II.

Super Bowl championships

The Raiders have won three Super Bowl championships. They won twice when they were based in Oakland, in 1976 and 1980, and once when they were in Los Angeles in 1983. Their first Super Bowl win was led by coach John Madden, and the next two by Tom Flores.

AFC championships

Division championships

Logos and uniforms

The Las Vegas Raiders started in 1960 after a contest to name the team. They were first called the Oakland Señors, but the name quickly changed to the Oakland Raiders. The first logo showed a pirate wearing a football helmet and an eye patch.

The original uniforms were black and gold, but they switched to silver and black in 1963. The team's famous silver and black design has hardly changed since then. The Raiders sometimes wear special throwback jerseys to celebrate older styles. When the team moved to Las Vegas, they changed their logos to say "LAS VEGAS" instead of "OAKLAND."

Home fields

The Las Vegas Raiders played their first home games at different stadiums. In 1961, they moved to Candlestick Park. In 1962, they played at Frank Youell Field in Oakland before moving to the Oakland Coliseum in 1966. They shared this stadium with a baseball team until they moved to Los Angeles for some years. In 1973, they played one game in Berkeley because of a scheduling problem.

After many years, the team moved to Las Vegas in 2020. Now they play at Allegiant Stadium, which they share with the UNLV Rebels football team.

Stadium history

Culture

Slogans

Al Davis created famous phrases like "Pride and Poise," "Commitment to Excellence," and "Just Win, Baby." These phrases are special to the team. "Commitment to Excellence" was inspired by a quote from Vince Lombardi.

Raider Nation

Main article: Raider Nation

The term Raider Nation describes the fans of the team. Fans are found all over the United States and the world. Fans who go to home games often arrive early, tailgating, and dress up in fun ways.

Al Davis first used the name Raider Nation in 1968. In 2009, Ice Cube made a song for the Raiders. In 2010, Davis was in a documentary for ESPN's 30 for 30 series. In 2012, Ice Cube made another song for the Raiders as part of Pepsi's NFL Anthems campaign.

Cheerleaders

Main article: Las Vegas Raiderettes

The Las Vegas Raiderettes are the cheerleading squad for the Las Vegas Raiders. They started in 1961 when the team was called the Oakland Raiderettes. When the team played in Los Angeles, they were called the Los Angeles Raiderettes. They are known as "Football's Fabulous Females".

Radio and television

Las Vegas Raiders Radio Network

Raider games are shown on the radio in English on 36 stations across the western United States. These include KOMP 92.3 FM and KRLV in Las Vegas. Stations in Nevada, California, Oregon, Colorado, Hawaii, and Arkansas also broadcast the games. Jason Horowitz tells the story of the game, with former Raiders player Lincoln Kennedy giving his thoughts. George Atkinson and Jim Plunkett talk before and after the games. Compass Media Networks makes and shares the radio broadcasts.

Games are also broadcast in Spanish on 8 stations in Nevada and California, including KENO in Las Vegas. Cristian Echeverria tells the story of the game in Spanish, with Harry Ruiz giving his thoughts.

Television

Raider games in Las Vegas are shown on CBS station KLAS-TV (channel 8). In the Bay Area, they are on CBS station KPIX-TV when playing against American Football Conference teams, or on Fox stations KVVU-TV in Las Vegas and KTVU in the Bay Area when playing against National Football Conference teams. Sunday night games are on NBC stations KSNV in Las Vegas and KNTV in the Bay Area. Thursday games moved to KTVU and KVVU-TV in 2018, after being on NBC or CBS before that. All Thursday games are also shown on NFL Network.

Main article: List of Las Vegas Raiders broadcasters

Rivalries

Divisional rivals

Kansas City Chiefs

Main article: Chiefs–Raiders rivalry

The Chiefs are one of the Raiders' oldest rivals, going back many years. The two teams have played many close games. In 1969, Oakland lost to Kansas City in an important game. The Raiders have had tough times against the Chiefs, like losing 17 of 20 games from 1990 to 1999. They also had a losing streak to the Chiefs until 2020. As of 2023, the Chiefs lead the series 71–54–2.

Denver Broncos

Main article: Broncos–Raiders rivalry

The Raiders and Broncos have a very famous rivalry. The Raiders had a winning streak against the Broncos from 1965 to 1971. But from 1995 to 2008, the Broncos won most of their games. In 2015, the Raiders won a big game, 15–12. The two teams have played many times on Monday Night Football. Raiders lead the series 72–53–2.

Los Angeles Chargers

Main article: Chargers–Raiders rivalry

The Chargers and Raiders have been rivals since 1963. In 1978, there was a famous game called the "Holy Roller." The Raiders won the AFC title in 1981 by beating the Chargers. They also had big comebacks, like in 1982. As of 2023, the Raiders lead the series 67–57–2.

Conference

Pittsburgh Steelers

Main article: Raiders–Steelers rivalry

The Steelers and Raiders have a long rivalry. In the 1970s, they met in the playoffs five years in a row. One famous moment was the "Immaculate Reception" in 1972. The rivalry cooled off but got strong again later. As of 2023, the Raiders lead the series 17–15.

New England Patriots

The Raiders and Patriots have a rivalry that started a long time ago. It got stronger after a hard hit in 1978. They’ve played in important games, including a famous playoff game in 2002 known as the "Tuck Rule Game." As of 2023, the Patriots lead the series 20–17–1.

Historic

Miami Dolphins

Main article: Dolphins–Raiders rivalry

In the early 1970s, the Raiders and Dolphins played three times, with the Dolphins winning the 1973 AFC Championship. The Raiders lead the series 21–20–1 as of 2023.

New York Jets

The Jets and Raiders had a strong rivalry in the 1960s and 1970s, with famous moments like the "Heidi Game" in 1968. They’ve met occasionally since then, with the Raiders leading the series 27–20–2 as of 2023.

Seattle Seahawks

As of 2023, the Raiders lead the series against the Seahawks 30–26.

Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans

The Raiders faced the Oilers (later Titans) many times, winning big games in the 1960s and later years. As of 2023, the Raiders lead the series 30–22.

Battle of the Bay

Main article: 49ers–Raiders rivalry

When the Raiders were in Oakland, they had a rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers across the bay. They played occasionally, with the 49ers leading the series 8–7 as of 2023. The NFL stopped scheduling preseason games between them after some incidents.

Battle of Los Angeles

Main article: Battle of Los Angeles (NFL)

When the Raiders were in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994, they competed with the Los Angeles Rams for fans. The Raiders led the series 8–7 before both teams moved away from Los Angeles.

Ownership, administration and financial operations

Founding of the franchise

The Las Vegas Raiders started as an idea by Max Winter, a businessman from Minneapolis. He wanted to join the new American Football League but was offered a spot in the National Football League instead. Winter chose to join the NFL and started a new team called the Minnesota Vikings. Later, Oakland, California, became the home of the eighth team in the American Football League, and they were named the Raiders.

At first, Oakland was not a popular choice for a football team. The city did not even ask for one, and there was already a successful team in nearby San Francisco. But the Raiders found investors and began playing in 1960. The team faced many challenges early on, but eventually became well-known in the league.

Current ownership structure

Today, the Raiders are owned by a group of partners. The main owner is a company linked to the Davis family, who have led the team for many years. After the death of Al Davis in 2011, his son Mark took over as the team's leader. The Davis family still owns most of the team.

Financial operations

In 2017, the Raiders were valued at about $2.38 billion, which was fairly high for an NFL team. This was partly because they moved to Las Vegas and built a new stadium. For many years, the team struggled to fill their old stadium in Oakland, partly because of high ticket prices and special fees called personal seat licenses. These fees were later removed, which helped improve ticket sales.

Legal battles

The Raiders have been part of many legal cases over the years. One big fight was when they tried to move from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1980, but the NFL did not allow it. The team sued but eventually lost. There were also lawsuits about stadium plans and ticket sales.

Trademark and trade dress dilution

The Raiders once sued to stop other teams from using similar colors or logos, but these lawsuits were not successful.

BALCO scandal

Some Raiders players were linked to a company called BALCO, which was accused of giving athletes special drugs to improve performance. This caused a big scandal, but it did not directly involve the team's ownership or management.

Players of note

Further information: Category:Las Vegas Raiders players

Further information: List of Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterbacks

Current roster

Pro Football Hall of Fame members

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has honored 17 players who spent most of their careers with the Raiders. It also includes coach-owner-commissioner Al Davis, head coaches John Madden and Tom Flores, and executive Ron Wolf. In total, the Raiders have 31 Hall of Famers.

Notes:

• Hall of Famers who played most of their careers with the Raiders are listed in bold.
• Hall of Famers who played only a small part of their careers with the Raiders are listed in normal font.

Retired numbers

The Raiders do not officially retire jersey numbers. All 100 numbers are available for any player, no matter how important they were.

Individual awards

Career leaders

• Passing yards: 35,222 Derek Carr (2014–2022)
• Pass completions: 3,201 Derek Carr (2014–2022)
• Passing touchdowns: 217 Derek Carr (2014–2022)
• Rushing yards: 8,545 Marcus Allen (1982–1992)
• Rushing touchdowns: 79 Marcus Allen (1982–1992)
• Receptions: 1,070 Tim Brown (1988–2003)
• Receiving yards: 14,734 Tim Brown (1988–2003)
• Receiving touchdowns: 99 Tim Brown (1988–2003)
• Total touchdowns: 104 Tim Brown (1988–2003)
• Points: 1,799 Sebastian Janikowski (2000–2016)
• Field goals made: 414 Sebastian Janikowski (2000–2016)
• Total punt yardage: 48,215 Shane Lechler (2000–2012)
• Punting average: 47.5 Shane Lechler (2000–2012)
• Kickoff return yards: 4,841 Chris Carr (2005–2007)
• Punt Return yards: 3,272 Tim Brown (1988–2003)
• Pass interceptions: 39 Willie Brown (1967–1978), Lester Hayes (1977–1986)
• Pass deflections: 84 Charles Woodson (1998–2015)
• Sacks: 107.5 Greg Townsend (1983–1997)
• Forced fumbles: 18 Charles Woodson (1998–2015)
• Winningest coach: 103 John Madden (1969–1978)

Single season leaders

• Passing yards: 4,804 Derek Carr (2021)
• Passing touchdowns: 34 Daryle Lamonica (1969)
• Rushing yards: 1,759 Marcus Allen (1985)
• Rushing touchdowns: 16 Pete Banaszak (1975)
• Receptions: 112 Brock Bowers (2024)
• Receiving yards: 1,516 Davante Adams (2022)
• Receiving touchdowns: 16 Art Powell (1963)
• Total touchdowns: 18 Marcus Allen (1984)
• Points: 150 Daniel Carlson (2021)
• Field goals made: 40 Daniel Carlson (2021)
• Total punt yardage: 4,930 Marquette King (2014)
• Punting average: 51.1 Shane Lechler (2009)
• Kickoff return yards: 1,762 Chris Carr (2006)
• Punt return yards: 692 Fulton Walker (1985)
• Pass interceptions: 13 Lester Hayes (1980)
• Sacks: 16.0 Derrick Burgess (2005)

All-Pro selections

The following Raiders players have been named to the All-Pro team:

• QB Daryle Lamonica, Ken Stabler, Rich Gannon (2)
• RB Clem Daniels (4), Marcus Allen (3), Josh Jacobs (1)
• FB Hewritt Dixon, Marcel Reece (1)
• WR Cliff Branch (3), Tim Brown, Fred Biletnikoff (2), Art Powell, Davante Adams (1)
• TE Dave Casper, Todd Christensen (4), Billy Cannon (2)
• OT Art Shell (4), Harry Schuh, Lincoln Kennedy (2)
• G Gene Upshaw (5), Steve Wisniewski (2), Kelechi Osemele (1)
• C Jim Otto (10), Barret Robbins (1)
• DE Howie Long, Khalil Mack (2), Ben Davidson (1)
• DT Tom Keating, Dan Birdwell, Bill Pickel, Chester McGlockton, Darrell Russell (1)
• LB Ted Hendricks (3), Rod Martin, Archie Matsos, Khalil Mack (1)
• CB Willie Brown, Nnamdi Asomugha (4), Dave Grayson, Charles Woodson (3), Fred Williamson, Kent McCloughan, Mike Haynes (2), Lester Hayes (1)
• S Tom Morrow, Ronnie Lott, Rod Woodson, Charles Woodson (1)
• K Jeff Jaeger (1)
• P Shane Lechler (6), Ray Guy (3), Jeff Gossett, A. J. Cole III (1)

Pro Bowl selections

The following Raiders players have been named to the Pro Bowl:

• QB Daryle Lamonica, Ken Stabler, Rich Gannon, Derek Carr (4), Cotton Davidson, Tom Flores, George Blanda, Jeff Hostetler (1)
• RB Marcus Allen (5), Clem Daniels (4), Marv Hubbard (3), Josh Jacobs (2), Kenny King, Greg Pruitt, Bo Jackson, Latavius Murray (1)
• FB Hewritt Dixon (4), Marcel Reece (4), Alan Miller (1)
• WR Tim Brown (9), Fred Biletnikoff (6), Art Powell, Cliff Branch (4), Warren Wells, Amari Cooper (2), Jerry Rice, Hunter Renfrow, Davante Adams (1)
• TE Dave Casper, Todd Christensen (5), Raymond Chester (4), Billy Cannon, Ethan Horton, Zach Miller, Jared Cook, Darren Waller, Brock Bowers (1)
• OT Art Shell (8), Harry Schuh, Lincoln Kennedy (3), Henry Lawrence, Donald Penn (2), Bob Brown (1)
• G Steve Wisniewski (8), Gene Upshaw (7), Wayne Hawkins (5), Kelechi Osemele (2), Max Montoya, Kevin Gogan (1)
• C Jim Otto (12), Don Mosebar (3), Rodney Hudson (2), Dave Dalby, Barret Robbins (1)
• DE Howie Long (8), Maxx Crosby (4), Ben Davidson, Khalil Mack, (3), Greg Townsend, Derrick Burgess (2), Ike Lassiter (1)
• DT Chester McGlockton (4), Tom Keating, Darrell Russell, Richard Seymour (2), Dave Costa, Dan Birdwell, Otis Sistrunk (1)
• LB Phil Villapiano, Ted Hendricks (4), Dan Conners (3), Rod Martin (2), Archie Matsos, Gus Otto, Matt Millen, Denzel Perryman (1)
• CB Willie Brown (7), Lester Hayes, Terry McDaniel (5), Charles Woodson (4), Fred Williamson, Dave Grayson, Mike Haynes, Nnamdi Asomugha (3), Kent McCloughan (2)
• S Jack Tatum (3), George Atkinson, Vann McElroy (2), Ronnie Lott, Rod Woodson, Charles Woodson, Reggie Nelson (1)
• K Jeff Jaeger, Sebastian Janikowski (1)
• P Ray Guy, Shane Lechler (7), A. J. Cole III (3), Jeff Gossett (1)
• LS Jon Condo (2)

Front office and coaching staff

Main article: List of Las Vegas Raiders head coaches

The Las Vegas Raiders have had many important coaches and leaders who helped the team grow and succeed. Some of these leaders include Al Davis, who was a head coach and later the team's owner, and John Madden, who was a well-known head coach.

Today, the team is guided by experienced leaders, including Sandra Douglass Morgan, who is the current president of the Raiders. These leaders help make important decisions and support the team in many ways.

Season-by-season record

Main article: List of Las Vegas Raiders seasons

This section shows how the Las Vegas Raiders have done each year. You can see their results for every season in the table below.