The History of the LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

by Jesse M. Earl on April 19, 2023

The History of the LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Origins and Early Years (1960-1962)

The LAS VEGAS RAIDERS, a professional American football team, was established in 1960 as one of eight original American Football League members (AFL) members. The team was founded by a group of businessmen led by Wayne Valley, who obtained the franchise for $25,000. The team's first coach was Eddie Erdelatz, a former Navy assistant coach.


The Raiders' first season in the AFL was in 1960. They played their home games at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco, as the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum had yet to be built. The team struggled in their inaugural season, finishing a 6-8.


The following year, the Raiders moved into the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, which had just been completed. However, the team's fortunes did not improve, as they finished the season with a record of 2-12.


In 1962, Al Davis was hired as the Raiders head coach and general manager. Davis had previously worked as an assistant coach for the San Diego Chargers, another AFL team. Under Davis, the Raiders improved their record to 1-13, but it was clear that Davis was committed to building a winning team.


One of Davis' first moves was to draft quarterback Tom Flores in the 1960 AFL Draft. Flores would become the first Hispanic starting quarterback in professional football history. Davis also made several trades to acquire talented players, including future Hall of Famers George Blanda and Jim Otto.


Despite their struggles on the field, the Raiders were known for their aggressive and physical style of play, which earned them the nickname "The Bad Boys of the AFL." This attitude was instilled by Davis, who believed that a team needed to be tough and physical to succeed.


The Raiders' early years in the AFL were challenging, but they laid the foundation for the team's success in the years to come. With Al Davis at the helm, the Raiders would become one of the most successful and iconic franchises in professional football history.



Sources:

"Oakland Raiders." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oakland-Raiders

AFL Success and the Merger (1963-1971)


After a rocky start, the Oakland Raiders began to establish themselves as a competitive team in the American Football League (AFL) in the early 1960s. However, during AFL's success and the merger with the National Football League (NFL), the Raiders truly cemented their place in football history.


In 1963, the Raiders finished with a record of 10-4, which was good enough to earn them a playoff berth for the first time in team history. Led by quarterback Tom Flores and a stout defense, the Raiders defeated the Boston Patriots in the AFL Championship Game to earn a spot in the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, which would later be renamed the Super Bowl.


Although the Raiders lost to the NFL's Green Bay Packers in that first Super Bowl, the team's success in the AFL continued in the following years. From 1967 to 1969, the Raiders won three consecutive AFL Western Division titles, with quarterback Daryle Lamonica leading the way.


The Raiders' success in the AFL made them a prime candidate for inclusion in the NFL, which was seen as the more prestigious and established league. In 1970, the AFL and NFL announced their merger, combining the two companies to form a single entity with two conferences.


Despite the merger, the Raiders remained dominant in the new NFL. In 1970, the team finished with a record of 8-4-2, which was good enough to earn them a playoff berth. The following year, the Raiders won their first division title in the NFL, with Lamonica again leading the way.


The Raiders' success in the AFL and the early years of the NFL helped to establish the team as one of the most iconic franchises in professional football history. The team's aggressive and physical style of play, which Al Davis had instilled, continued to be a hallmark of the Raiders throughout the 1970s and beyond.



Sources:

"Oakland Raiders." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oakland-Raiders

The Glory Years (1972-1983)


The Oakland Raiders' glory years spanned from 1972 to 1983 when the team established itself as one of the most dominant and successful franchises in professional football history. Led by legendary coach John Madden and a roster filled with future Hall of Famers, the Raiders won three Super Bowls during this period and cemented their place in football lore.


The Raiders' success in the 1970s began with hiring of John Madden as head coach in 1969. Madden had previously served as the team's linebackers coach and was known for his innovative and aggressive approach to coaching. Under Madden's leadership, the Raiders became one of the most feared teams in the league.


In 1972, the Raiders won their first division title in the NFL, with quarterback Ken Stabler leading the way. The team advanced to the playoffs but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round. The following year, the Raiders again won their division and went to the playoffs but were defeated by the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship Game.


The Raiders' breakthrough came in 1974 when the team won its first Super Bowl. Led by Stabler and a stout defense, the Raiders defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl IX. The victory cemented the Raiders' place as one of the premier franchises in professional football.


The Raiders' success continued in the years that followed. In 1976, the team won its second Super Bowl, defeating the Minnesota Vikings again. The following year, the Raiders advanced to the AFC Championship Game but lost to the Denver Broncos.


In 1980, the Raiders won their third Super Bowl, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10. The team was led by quarterback Jim Plunkett, who the Raiders had signed after being released by the San Francisco 49ers. Plunkett would go on to be named the game's Most Valuable Player.


The Raiders' success in the 1970s and early 1980s was mainly due to a roster filled with talented players. Among the future Hall of Famers on the team was Stabler, Plunkett, wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff, defensive back Willie Brown, and defensive end Ted Hendricks.


The Raiders' glory years cemented the team's place in football history and established the franchise as one of the most iconic in professional sports. Although the team would experience ups and downs in the years to come, the legacy of the Raiders' success during this period would continue to inspire and captivate football fans for generations to come.



Sources:

"Oakland Raiders." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oakland-Raiders

The Return to Oakland and the Gruden Era (1984-2001)


After a period of decline in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Oakland Raiders returned to prominence in the NFL in the 1980s and 1990s under the leadership of head coaches Tom Flores and Jon Gruden. The team's success during this period was primarily due to the efforts of talented players such as Marcus Allen, Tim Brown, and Rich Gannon.


In 1982, the Raiders moved to Los Angeles to play for the next 13 seasons. Despite the change of scenery, the team continued to experience success on the field. In 1984, the Raiders won their third Super Bowl, defeating the Washington Redskins 38-9. The team was led by quarterback Jim Plunkett, who threw three touchdowns in the game.


In 1995, the Raiders returned to Oakland, where they would play for 22 seasons. The team's return to its original home was a significant event for fans, who had been without an NFL team in the city since the Raiders' departure in 1982.


Under the leadership of head coach Jon Gruden, who was hired in 1998, the Raiders experienced sustained success. In 2000, the team won its third division title in four years, with quarterback Rich Gannon leading the way. Gannon would be named the league's Most Valuable Player that year.


In 2001, the Raiders advanced to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1984. Led by Gannon and a talented group of receivers, the Raiders defeated the New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans to reach the Super Bowl, where they would face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coached by Jon Gruden. Despite the team's success in achieving the Super Bowl, the Raiders were defeated by the Buccaneers 48-21 in a game that has been the subject of controversy over the years.


The Gruden era ended in 2002 when he was traded to the Buccaneers for draft picks. Although the team would continue to experience success in the years to come, including an appearance in the Super Bowl in 2016, the legacy of the Gruden era continued to loom large over the franchise.


The Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995, and their success under Jon Gruden in the late 1990s and early 2000s helped to cement the team's place as one of the most iconic franchises in professional football history. Despite the team's move to Las Vegas in 2020, the legacy of the Raiders' success during this period continues to inspire and captivate football fans worldwide.



Sources:

"Oakland Raiders." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oakland-Raiders

The Post-Gruden Years and Return to Relevance (2002-2019)


Following the departure of head coach Jon Gruden in 2002, the Oakland Raiders entered a period of transition that saw the team struggle on the field for several years. However, in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the group began to regain its footing under the leadership of head coaches Tom Cable and Hue Jackson, as well as the emergence of talented players such as quarterback Derek Carr.


In the years following Gruden's departure, the Raiders struggled to find their footing on the field. The team went through several head coaches, including Bill Callahan and Norv Turner, but needed help to recapture the success of the Gruden era. In 2006, the team finished with a record of 2-14, the worst in the NFL that season.


Despite the team's struggles, there were several bright spots during this period. In 2007, the team hired Lane Kiffin as head coach, and he helped to revitalize the team's offense. The Raiders finished the season with a 4-12 but showed promise for the future.


In 2008, the team hired Tom Cable as head coach. Cable helped to instill a physical and aggressive style of play in the group, which paid dividends on the field. In 2010, the Raiders won their first division title since 2002, with quarterback Jason Campbell leading the way.


The following year, the team brought in Hue Jackson as head coach. Under Jackson's leadership, the Raiders continued to improve, with quarterback Carson Palmer leading the way. Although the team narrowly missed the playoffs in 2011, there was optimism for the future.


In 2014, the team drafted quarterback Derek Carr, who emerged as one of the league's top young quarterbacks. Carr's emergence helped to revitalize the team's offense, and the Raiders began to win more consistently on the field.


In 2016, the Raiders returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2002, with Carr leading the way. Although the team was defeated in the wild card round by the Houston Texans, the season was seen as a significant step forward for the franchise.


In 2019, the team's final season in Oakland before moving to Las Vegas, the Raiders finished with a record of 7-9. Although the season was a disappointment, it was clear that the team was on the right track under head coach Jon Gruden, who returned to the team in 2018.


The post-Gruden years were challenging for the Raiders, but the team's return to relevance in the late 2000s and early 2010s helped set the stage for the team's success in the years to come. With a talented roster and a passionate fan base, the Raiders remain one of the most iconic franchises in professional football history.



Sources:

"Oakland Raiders." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oakland-Raiders

The Las Vegas Era (2020-present)


The Oakland Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020, marking the beginning of a new era for the iconic franchise. Although the team has only been in Las Vegas briefly, there is already a sense of excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike.


The team's move to Las Vegas resulted from years of planning and negotiations. In 2016, the Raiders began exploring the possibility of moving to Las Vegas, which had long been seen as a potential destination for a professional football team. The team ultimately secured funding for a new stadium in Las Vegas, and the NFL approved the move in 2017.


The Raiders' first season in Las Vegas, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, was challenging. The team played its home games at Allegiant Stadium, which had just been completed but could not host fans due to health and safety concerns. The team finished with an 8-8, narrowly missing the playoffs.


Despite the challenges of the pandemic, there were several bright spots during the Raiders' first season in Las Vegas. Quarterback Derek Carr continued to be a consistent and reliable presence on the field while running back Josh Jacobs emerged as one of the league's top young talents.


In the 2021 season, the Raiders started strong, winning their first three games. However, the team struggled in the middle of the season, losing five of six games. Despite the mid-season slump, the team remained in contention for a playoff spot, thanks in large part to the efforts of Carr and Jacobs.


Off the field, the Raiders have made several efforts to connect with the Las Vegas community. The team has been active in charitable and community outreach initiatives, including donating to local food banks and hosting events for military personnel and first responders.


The Raiders' move to Las Vegas marks the beginning of a new era for the team, and there is a sense of excitement and optimism among fans and players alike. With a talented roster and a state-of-the-art stadium, the Raiders are poised to be a significant player in the NFL for years to come.



Sources:

"Las Vegas Raiders." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Las-Vegas-Raiders

Conclusion


The Oakland Raiders have one of the NFL's wealthiest and most storied histories. From their origins in the AFL in the 1960s to their move to Las Vegas in 2020, the Raiders have been known for their aggressive style of play, passionate fans, and iconic players.


The Raiders have won three Super Bowls and numerous division titles throughout history. The team's success has been mainly due to several legendary coaches and players, including John Madden, Al Davis, Ken Stabler, and Marcus Allen.


The Raiders have been known off the field for their passionate and loyal fan base, who have supported the team through thick and thin. The team's move from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1982 was met with controversy and anger from fans. The team's eventual return to Oakland in 1995 was celebrated as a significant event in the city's history.


Despite the team's move to Las Vegas in 2020, the legacy of the Oakland Raiders continues to live on. The team's aggressive and unapologetic style of play and their passionate fans have inspired generations of football fans worldwide.


The Raiders have faced several challenges recently, including on-field struggles and controversy off the field. However, there is a sense of optimism and excitement surrounding the team's move to Las Vegas, and fans eagerly anticipate the team's future success.


The legacy of the Oakland Raiders will be remembered for generations to come. Whether on the field or off, the team has left an indelible mark on the NFL and the city of Oakland. As the team continues to write its history in Las Vegas, fans and players alike are eager to see what the future holds for this iconic franchise.



Sources:

"Oakland Raiders." Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oakland-Raiders

FAQs

What were the Oakland Raiders before?

The Oakland Raiders were originally a professional football team in the American Football League (AFL), established in 1960. The team was based in Oakland, California, and played its home games at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. When the AFL merged with the National Football League (NFL) in 1970, the Raiders became a member of the NFL and have remained in the league ever since.

How many Super Bowls did the Oakland Raiders win?

The Oakland Raiders have won three Super Bowls in their history. They won Super Bowl XI in 1977, Super Bowl XV in 1981, and Super Bowl XVIII in 1984.

Why are they called Oakland Raiders?

The Oakland Raiders were initially based in Oakland, California, which is why they were given the name "Oakland Raiders." The team was founded in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL) and played its home games at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Raiders remained in Oakland until 1982 when they moved to Los Angeles for 13 seasons before returning to Oakland in 1995. The team stayed in Oakland until 2020, when they moved to their current home in Las Vegas.

Jesse M. Earl

Jesse M. Earl is an experienced sports blogger with 6 years of expertise in the field. Jesse has developed a reputation throughout his career for his insightful analysis and engaging commentary on various sports topics. He has covered many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, and is particularly interested in the intersection of sports and culture. Through his writing, Jesse provides a fresh and unique perspective on the latest sports news, offering readers a deeper understanding of the impact of sports on society. With his extensive knowledge and passion for sports, Jesse is a trusted voice in the world of sports journalism, and he continues to inspire and inform his readers with his thoughtful and thought-provoking content.

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