All-Time Teams: Las Vegas Raiders (2024)

Introduction

In my endless research of all things football and through my passion for the history of the NFL, I have decided to try and compile an All-Time Team for all 32 current NFL franchises. By All-Time Team I mean a starting roster compiled of the very best players to ever put on each franchise’s jersey. I will be starting in alphabetical order by current franchise location, so Arizona Cardinals all the way to The Washington Football Team, with the goal of releasing one to two All-Time teams a week for the duration of the current NFL season. This is meant to be fun and cause some debate and is based on my opinion after all my research and deep dives into each franchise’s history. Of course, not everyone will agree with who I chose, and I’d love to hear from anyone who agrees or disagrees, but first, let’s lay out some ground rules for how I came up with each team.

1. Each team roster will consist of the following:

Offense - 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 2 OT, 2 OG, 1 C

Defense - 2 DE, 2 DT, 3 LB, 2 CB, 2 S

Special Teams - 1 K, 1 P, 1 Returner

Coach - 1 Head Coach

2. I only considered an individual’s stats and contributions with each specific franchise. For example, Peyton Manning’s years with the Broncos were not considered when deciding on the starting QB of the Colts All-Time Team. As a result, the stats and awards listed with each individual player are only those that were achieved with that specific franchise.

3. A player cannot represent two teams as the starter. Players who spent time with more than one team were considered for the franchise they spent the most time with or had the most impact on. This rule led to some interesting scenarios that I will discuss in detail with each specific article to try and clear up any confusion.

4. A player’s stats and impact were considered in context with their era. This won’t simply be a listing of who passed or ran for the most yards in franchise history.

5. All stats are from Pro-Football-Reference and through the 2021 season. I will also be counting sacks from 1960, though the NFL doesn't officially count sacks until 1982.

6. Players in the "Honorable Mentions" section are ordered by year. It's not an indication of where I believe they rank in franchise history.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to it!

Las Vegas Raiders All-Time Team

Franchise Information

First Season: 1960

Record: 491-447-11 (52.35 W-L%)

Playoff Record: 25-20

Super Bowls Won: 3 (1976, 1980 and 1983) (Lost in 1967 and 2002)

AFL Championships Won: 1 (1967)

Passing Leader: Derek Carr 2,896/4,456 | 31,700 Yds | 193 TD

Rushing Leader: Marcus Allen 2,090 Att | 8,545 Yds | 79 TD

Receiving Leader: Tim Brown 1,070 Rec | 14,734 Yds | 99 TD

Sack Leader: Greg Townsend 107.5 Sk

Interception Leader: Willie Brown 39 Int

Scoring Leader: Sebastian Janikowski 1,799 Points

Winningest Coach: John Madden 103-32-7

QB: Ken Stabler (1970-1979)

Record: 69-26-1 | 59.9 Cmp% | 19,078 Yds | 150 TD | 143 Int | 137 Rush Yds | 4 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp% 1973 and 1976 (62.7%, 66.7%) | Led League in TD 1974 and 1976 (26, 27) | Led League in Yds/A 1976 (9.4) | Led League in Yds/G 1976 (228.1) | Led League in QB Rating 1976 (103.4) | 4x Pro-Bowl (73, 74, 76, 77) | 1x All-Pro (74) | 1974 MVP | 1974 Offensive Player of the Year | 1976 Bert Bell | 1976 Super Bowl Champion | Hall of Fame All-1970s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2016

Kenny Stabler is the easy choice at quarterback for the All-Time Raiders. He was the Raiders quarterback for seven seasons and had a winning record every year. Stabler led the Raiders to five straight AFC Championship games from 1973-1977 and won the Super Bowl in 1976. He led the league in completion percentage and touchdowns on two different occasions, as well as led the league in yards per attempt, yards per game and quarterback rating once. Stabler was named to four Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team and was named the 1974 MVP. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1970s Team and finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, unfortunately just after Stabler had passed away. Daryle Lamonica was an MVP and AFL Champion and deserves more consideration from Hall of Fame voters and Jim Plunkett won two Super Bowls as well. Rich Gannon was also an MVP in 2002, but it remains to be seen if his late career success with the Raiders will ever be enough to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mentions

RB: Marcus Allen (1982-1992)

4.1 Yds/A | 8,545 Yds | 79 TD | 446 Rec | 4,258 Rec Yds | 18 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 1985 (1,759) | Led League in TD 1982 (11) | Led League in Yds/G 1985 (109.9) | Led League in YScm 1982, 1985 (1,098, 2,314) | Led League in RRTD 1982 and 1984 (14, 18) | 5x Pro-Bowl (82, 84, 85, 86, 87) | 2x All-Pro (82, 85) | 1985 MVP | 1982 Offensive Player of the Year | 1985 Offensive Player of the Year | Hall of Fame Class 2003

First up at running back is the great Marcus Allen. Allen is the franchise leader in rushing yards and touchdowns and had over 1,000 yards on three different occasions. He also had double digit touchdowns four different times. Allen led the league in yards once, touchdowns once, yards per game once, yards from scrimmage twice and rushing and receiving touchdowns twice. He was named to five Pro-Bowls, two All-Pro Teams and was named the 1985 MVP. Allen was also twice named the offensive player of the year. Marcus Allen was one of the most consistent running backs of all time and a threat to take it to the house every time he touched the ball. He also pulled off arguably the greatest run in Super Bowl history against Washington in 1983. Allen was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.

RB: Clem Daniels (1961-1967)

4.5 Yds/A | 5,103 Yds | 30 TD | 201 Rec | 3,291 Rec Yds | 24 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 1963 (1,099) | Led League in Yds/G 1963 (78.5) | Led League in Yds/Rec 1963 (22.8) | Led League in YScm 1963 (1,784) | 4x Pro-Bowl (63, 64, 65, 66) | 2x All-Pro (63, 66) | AFL All-1960s Team

If I were just going with pure skill and not talking about a player's whole career, then this spot would go to Bo Jackson. Jackson was one of the most explosive players ever and he could have been one of the best running backs in NFL history if he didn't play professional baseball and ultimately have a career ending injury. Bo Jackson only spent four seasons with the Raiders and never played a full season, so I'm going with Clem Daniels. He doesn't have the name recognition that Bo does, but he was one of the best running backs in AFL history. He had over 700 yards rushing and 1,000 yards from scrimmage five times, including leading the league in both categories in 1963. Daniels was one of the first dual threat running backs in NFL history, as he had four seasons of at least 500 receiving yards as well. He was named to four straight Pro-Bowls from 1963-1966 and the All-Pro Team in both 1963 and 1966. Daniels was also named to the AFL All-1960s Team.

Honorable Mention

WR: Tim Brown (1988-2003)

See Also

The 25 Greatest Players in Oakland Raiders History'76 Oakland Raiders Voted Greatest NFL Team of All-Time'He has bad intentions': Rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson embraces Raiders mystique, job as protectorReflecting on the life and legacy of 'The Original Raider' Jim Otto

1,070 Rec | 14,734 Yds | 99 TD | Led League in Rec 1997 (104) | Led League in Yds/Tch 1997 (13.1) | 9x Pro-Bowl (88, 91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 01) | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2015

No surprise here. The former Heisman winner proceeded to be one of the best receivers of all time after being drafted in 1988. Brown spent 16 seasons with the Raiders and had at least 1,000 yards receiving in nine of them. He also had at least 10 touchdowns in two seasons. Brown retired with the third most receptions for the second most yards and third most touchdowns in NFL history. He currently ranks seventh, seventh and ninth respectively. Brown was voted to nine Pro-Bowls and the Hall of Fame All-1990s Team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

WR: Fred Biletnikoff (1965-1978)

589 Rec | 8,974 Yds | 76 TD | Led League in Rec 1971 (61) | Led League in Yds/Rec 1967 (21.9) | 6x Pro-Bowl (67, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74) | 2x All-Pro (69, 72) | Hall of Fame Class 1988

Next up at wide receiver is another Hall of Famer, Fred Biletnikoff. He was a great receiver with the Raiders for 14 seasons. He held all franchise receiving records before Tim Brown and was voted to six Pro-Bowls and two All-Pro Teams. At retirement, Biletnikoff ranked fourth in receptions, fifth in yards and seventh in touchdowns in NFL history. He was a key member of the 1967 AFL Championship and 1976 Super Bowl winning teams and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

WR: Cliff Branch (1972-1985)

501 Rec | 8,685 Yds | 67 TD | Led League in Yds 1974 (1,092) | Led League in TD 1974 and 1976 (13, 12) | Led League in Yds/G 1974 and 1976 (78, 79.4) | 4x Pro-Bowl (74, 75, 76, 77) | 3x All-Pro (74, 75, 76) | Hall of Fame Class 2022

Cliff Branch is one of the best wide receivers in NFL history. Branch was a key member of all three of the Raiders Super Bowl winning teams. He had 1,000 yards twice and led the league in touchdowns twice as well. Branch was one of the best deep threats of his era, this can be seen by his 17 yards a reception for his career. He was voted to four straight Pro-Bowls from 1974-1977 and three straight All-Pro Teams from 1974-1976. Branch was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022. Art Powell was a close fourth for this spot and the great Jerry Rice even made a Pro-Bowl with the Raiders at the age of 40.

Honorable Mention

TE: Todd Christensen (1979-1988)

461 Rec | 5,872 Yds | 41 TD | Led League in Rec 1983 and 1986 (92, 95) | 5x Pro-Bowl (83, 84, 85, 86, 87) | 2x All-Pro (83, 85)

This one will probably be my most controversial pick. Todd Christensen deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. I don't understand Hall of Fame voters at all with this one. Christensen had over 1,000 yards three different times, which at the time was tied for most ever with Kellen Winslow. He also had 1,247 yards and 12 touchdowns in 1983. His 1,247 yards were the second most ever by a tight end and the 12 touchdowns were tied for first. His 95 receptions in 1986 were the most ever in a season by a tight end at the time as well. Christensen also won two Super Bowls with the Raiders and was voted to five Pro-Bowls and two All-Pro Teams. Todd Christensen was a much more dominant pass catcher and that's what gives him the edge over the great Dave Casper. His career stats are also equal to or better than most of the Hall of Fame tight ends, so Hall of Fame voters need to do the right thing and put him in the Hall.

Honorable Mentions

OT: Art Shell (1968-1982)

Started 169 of 207 Games | 8x Pro-Bowl (72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80) | 2x All-Pro (74, 77) | Hall of Fame All-1970s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1989

The great Art Shell is the first up at offensive tackle. Shell spent 15 years in the NFL, all with the Raiders. He started over 160 games, including starting every game in 10 seasons. Shell won two Super Bowls, was voted to eight Pro-Bowls and two All-Pro Teams as well as being named to the Hall of Fame All-1970s Team. Shell was immortalized in Canton in 1989.

OT: Lincoln Kennedy (1996-2003)

Started 119 of 121 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (00, 01, 02) | 1x All-Pro (02)

Lincoln Kennedy will man down the other offensive tackle position. Kennedy started every game in four seasons and was voted to three Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team. His 2002 All-Pro Team nod came in the same season the Raiders made it to the Super Bowl.

Honorable Mentions

OG: Gene Upshaw (1967-1981)

Started 207 of 217 Games | 7x Pro-Bowl (68, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77) | 5x All-Pro (68, 69, 70, 74, 77) | Hall of Fame All-1970s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1987

Next up on the offensive line is Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw. Upshaw spent 15 seasons with the Raiders, starting over 200 games. He started every game in his first 14 seasons, that's over 200 straight games. Upshaw was named to seven Pro-Bowls and five All-Pro Teams and also won two Super Bowls with the Raiders as well. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1970s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

OG: Steve Wisniewski (1989-2001)

Started 206 of 206 Games | 8x Pro-Bowl (90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 00) | 2x All-Pro (91, 92) | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team

The other offensive guard is future Hall of Famer Steve Wisniewski. It's only a matter of time before he finally makes it into the Hall of fame. He started 206 games with the Raiders from 1989-2001 and was voted to eight Pro-Bowls and two All-Pro Teams. Wisniewski was named to the Hall of Fame All-1990s Team and is a finalist for the Hall of Fame year in and year out. Just put him in the Hall already.

Honorable Mentions

C: Jim Otto (1960-1974)

Started 210 of 210 Games | 12x Pro-Bowl (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72) | 10x All-Pro (60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70) | AFL All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1980

Jim Otto rounds out the offensive line at center. Otto is arguably the greatest center of all time. He started every game in his 15-year career, starting a whopping 210 straight games. Otto was voted to 12 straight Pro-Bowls from 1961-1972 and an insane 10 All-Pro Teams. Otto was also named to the AFL All-1960s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980. In my opinion, he's the GOAT of centers.

Honorable Mentions

DE: Howie Long (1981-1993)

2 Int | 10 FR | 91.5 Sk | 8x Pro-Bowl (83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 92, 93) | 2x All-Pro (84, 85) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2000

First up at defensive end is Howie Long. Long spent all 13 of his seasons with the Raiders, compiling over 90 sacks. He had over 10 sacks 1983, 1984 and 1985 and was voted to eight Pro-Bowls and two All-Pro Teams. Long also won a Super Bowl with the Raiders in 1983, was named to the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

DE: Greg Townsend (1983-1993, 1997)

3 Int | 13 FF | 7 FR | 107.5 Sk | 338 Tackles | Led League in FF 1989 (6) | 2x Pro-Bowl (90, 91)

The other defensive end position will be maned down by Greg Townsend. Townsend is the franchise leader in sacks with 107.5. He spent 12 seasons with the Raiders and also led the league in forced fumbles in 1989. Townsend had over 10 sacks in a whopping seven different seasons, including a career high 13 in 1991. He surprisingly only voted to two Pro-Bowls, coming in 1990 and 1991. Ben Davidson and Khalil Mack were close calls for this spot as well.

Honorable Mentions

DT: Chester McGlockton (1992-1997)

1 Int | 10 FF | 5 FR | 39.5 Sk | 340 Tackles | 4x Pro-Bowl (94, 95, 96, 97) | 1x All-Pro (95)

Chester McGlockton is first up at defensive tackle for the All-Time Raiders. McGlockton spent six seasons with the Raiders from 1992-1997, racking up just under 40 sacks and 340 tackles. He had multiple sacks in all six seasons, including a career high 9.5 in 1994. McGlockton was voted to four straight Pro-Bowls from 1994-1997 as well as the 1995 All-Pro Team.

DT: Bill Pickel (1983-1990)

7 FR | 53 Sk | 454 Tackles | 1x All-Pro (86)

The final defensive line position is going to Bill Pickel. Pickel spent eight seasons with the Raiders, recovering seven fumbles and compiling 53 sacks and 545 tackles. Pickel had three straight seasons of at least 11.5 sacks from 1984-1985, including 12.5 in both 1984 and 1985. He won a Super Bowl in 1983 and was also named to the All-Pro Team in 1986.

Honorable Mentions

LB: Ted Hendricks (1975-1983)

10 Int | 10 FR | 42 Sk | 4x Pro-Bowl (80, 81, 82, 83) | 2x All-Pro (80, 82) | Hall of Fame All-1970s Team | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1990

Ted Hendricks is one of the greatest linebackers of all time, so it's no surprise that he's first up for the All-Time Raiders. Hendricks spent five great years in Baltimore and one in Green Bay before coming to the Raider's organization and making his biggest impact of them all. From 1975-1983, Hendricks intercepted 10 passes and sacked the quarterback over 40 times. He won three Super Bowls, was named to four Pro-Bowls, two All-Pro Teams and the Hall of Fame All-1970s and All-1980s Team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

LB: Rod Martin (1977-1988)

14 Int | 10 FR | 56.5 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (83, 84) | 1x All-Pro (84)

After Ted Hendricks, there is a little bit of a drop off at the linebacker position for the Raiders. There are still two other solid players, and I'm starting with Rod Martin. Martin spent 12 seasons with the Raiders from 1977-1988, winning two Super Bowls along the way. Twice he had double digit sacks and he was named to two Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team. He was a solid member for some of the greatest Raiders teams of all time.

LB: Dan Conners (1964-1974)

15 Int | 16 FR | 12 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (66, 67, 68) | AFL All-1960s Team

The final linebacker position goes to Dan Conners. He was the first great linebacker in franchise history. Conners was named to three Pro-Bowls and the AFL All-1960s Team. He was also a member of the 1967 AFL Championship winning Raiders Team. Phil Villapiano and Matt Millen are very close seconds at this spot.

Honorable Mentions

CB: Willie Brown (1967-1978)

39 Int | 4 FR | 1 Sk | 7x Pro-Bowl (67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73) | 4x All-Pro (68, 69, 71, 73) | AFL All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame All-1970s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1984

First up at cornerback is Willie Brown. Brown is one of the greatest to ever do it. He intercepted 39 passes while in a Raiders uniform, which is a franchise record. He had multiple interceptions in all but two seasons and was named to seven Pro-Bowls and four All-Pro Teams. Brown was also named to both the AFL All-1960s Team and the Hall of Fame All-1970s Team. He was a key reason for the Raiders winning their first Super Bowl in 1976 and he was immortalized in Canton in 1984.

CB: Lester Hayes (1977-1986)

39 Int | 7 FR | 1 Sk | Led League in Int 1980 (13) | 5x Pro-Bowl (80, 81, 82, 83, 84) | 1x All-Pro (80) | 1980 Defensive Player of the Year | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team

Charles Woodson is an All-Time Packer, so that means next man up here is Hall of Fame snub, Lester Hayes. There's a case to be made that this spot is Hayes's, regardless of if Woodson is eligible here. Hayes had multiple interceptions in eight different seasons and even led the league in 1980 with the second most interceptions in a single season ever. He was named the 1980 Defensive Player of the Year for that great effort. Hayes won two Super Bowls and was named to five straight Pro-Bowls from 1980-1984 and the 1980 All-Pro Team. He was also named to the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team. He's easily one of the biggest misses by Hall of Fame voters, ever.

Honorable Mentions

S: Jack Tatum (1971-1979)

30 Int | 8 FR | 3x Pro-Bowl (73, 74, 75)

Jack Tatum is one of the most feared Tacklers in NFL history, so there should be no surprise in seeing him here. Tatum also had at least four interceptions in five different seasons, so he was no slouch in the coverage game either. He made three straight Pro-Bowls from 1973-1975 and won a Super Bowl in 1976.

S: Dave Grayson (1965-1970)

29 Int | 2 FR | Led League in Int 1968 (10) | 3x Pro-Bowl (65, 66, 69) | 3x All-Pro (65, 68, 69) | AFL All-1960s Team

You might be expecting to see Jack Tatum's teammate, George Atkinson, in this position, but I'm going with Dave Grayson. Grayson spent six seasons with the Raiders, intercepting at least three passes in all but one season and leading the league with 10 in 1968. Grayson was named to three Pro-Bowls and three All-Pro Teams and was a member of the 1967 AFL Championship winning team. Grayson was also named to the AFL All-1960s Team. George Atkinson was also great, and Ronnie Lott and Rod Woodson actually had some great seasons with the Raiders at the end of their careers.

Honorable Mentions

K: Sebastian Janikowski (2000-2016)

80.4 FG% | 63 Long | 1,799 Points | Led League in Long 2008, 2009 and 2011 (57, 61, 63) | 1x Pro-Bowl (11)

Sebastian Janikowski is the kicker for this All-Time Raiders Team. The Raiders socked the nation when they drafted Janikowski in the first round of the 2000 draft. He averaged over 80% of his field goals and three times led the league in longest field goal. He's the franchise leader in points and was named to the Pro-Bowl in 2011. George Blanda is a Hall of Famer, but that is due more in part to his great quarterback play with the Oilers and his longevity overall.

Honorable Mentions

P: Shane Lechler (2000-2012)

48,215 Punt Yds | 80 Long | 47.5 Yds/Punt | Led League in Yds 2003, 2008 and 2009 (4,503, 4,391, 4,909) | Led League in Long 2003 and 2011 (73, 80) | Led League in Yds/Punt 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009 (46.9, 46.7, 45.7, 49.1, 51.1) | 7x Pro-Bowl (01, 04, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11) | 6x All-Pro (00, 03, 04, 08, 09, 10) | Hall of Fame All-2000s Team | Hall of Fame All-2010s Team

The Raiders have the two greatest punters of all time. Unfortunately, we can only start one punter, so I'm going with Shane Lechler. Lechler should join fellow Raider, Ray Guy, as the only true punters in the Hall of Fame. He averaged almost 48 yards per punt on his career and led the league in yards three times, long twice and yards per punt five times. Lechler was named to seven Pro-Bowls, six All-Pro Teams and both the Hall of Fame All-2000s and All-2010s Team. Ray Guy is the only other punter with a similar resume.

Honorable Mentions

Returner: Tim Brown (1988-2003)

3,272 Punt Rt Yds | 3 Punt Rt TD | 10.2 Yds/Punt | 1,235 Kick Rt Yds | 1 Kick Rt TD | 25.2 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Punt Rt Yds 1994 (487) | Led League in Kick Rt Yds 1988 (1,098) | Led League in Kick Rt TD 1988 (1) | Led League in Yds/Kick Rt 1988 (26.8) | 9x Pro-Bowl (88, 91, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 99, 01) | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2015

It tends to be forgotten that Tim Brown was also a great returner. Brown led the league in punt return yards once, kick return yards once, kick return touchdowns once and yards per kick return once as well. He totaled over 3,000 punt return yards and three touchdowns as well as over 1,000 kick return yards and one touchdown. George Atkinson is a close second for this spot as well.

Honorable Mentions

Head Coach: John Madden (1969-1978)

Regular Season: 103-32-7 | 75.9 W-L% | Playoffs: 9-7 | 1976 Super Bowl Champion | Hall of Fame Class 2006

No question on this one. John Madden has the best winning percentage amongst coaches with at least 100 games in NFL history. Madden never had a losing season and won double digit games six different times. He guided the Raiders to the AFC Championship game in seven of his 10 seasons and won it all in 1976. Tom Flores will finally make the Hall of Fame this year as he won two Super Bowls with the Raiders as well.

Honorable Mentions