Henry Roldán
During its stint in three different cities, the Raiders franchise has seen several of the greatest players in NFL history wear the silver and black uniform. Many are the important moments that these figures have left throughout 62 years of history and we leave you with the five most outstanding ones.
5.- Best Players in Raiders History: Art Shell (LT)
One hundred and twenty kilos of weight and 1.96 centimeters of pure power was what opposing defenders had to face every time they wanted to attack the Raiders’ quarterback from the left side.
Shell became a real wall for opponents during the 14 (1968-1981) seasons that he wore the uniform of the organization, being his presence an important support for the type of offense that the Raiders practised at time and that was focused on the aerial game.
The tackle, who did not miss a game until 1979, played his part in the Raiders’ Super Bowl victories in 1976 and 1980. His performance in the NFL also earned him eight Pro-Bowl appearances, two All-Pro team selections, membership on the 70’s All-America Hall of Fame team and induction into the Canton Hall of Fame in 1989.
4.- Best Players in Raiders History: Tim Brown (WR)
Playing in the same era as Jerry Rice and having somewhat inconsistent quarterbacks alongside him are the main reasons why we are not talking about Brown on a list of the best players in history as far as receivers are concerned.
However, within the Raiders there is no better wide receiver in history than him. He currently remains, by far, the franchise leader in receptions (1,070), air yards (14,734) and touchdowns (99) through the air. For example, Fred Biletnikoff, second in each of those three categories, has 589 receptions and 8,974 yards. An abysmal difference.
But, they want to know one more fact that played against Brown. It wasn’t until his fifth year in the NFL, of the 17 years he played, that he began to see action as an everyday receiver, as he was the Raiders’ kick returner at the beginning of his career and one of the team’s last receivers.
Despite all that Brown remains seventh all-time in receptions and air yards, while sharing ninth place in touchdowns scored. He was called to the Pro-Bowl nine times, was part of the 90’s All-Fame Team and in 2015 was exalted to the Hall of Fame.
3.- Best Players in Raiders History: Jim Otto (C)
If we talk about strength, consistency and commitment within the Raiders, we must talk about Otto, the franchise’s historic center who, from his debut year in 1960 until his retirement in 1974, played in all 210 of the team’s regular round games and 308 total games including the postseason.
Despite undergoing more than 40 surgeries during his career, Otto never gave up his place on the gridiron and consequently was called to 12 Pro-Bowl games, while making 10 All-Pro teams.
Although Otto won an old AFL title with the Raiders, the team’s fans have always regretted that he could not be present at the first Super Bowl won in 1976, just two years after his retirement.
Otto, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980, underwent some 30 more surgeries after his retirement and had to have a leg amputated due to all the blows he received during his time in the NFL. When asked about it, the center has repeatedly said that he never regrets how he played.
2.- Best Players in Raiders History: Gene Upshaw (C)
Who would have thought that an offensive tackle of almost six feet tall during his college days would end up being the best offensive guard in the history of the NFL and one of the best players in history.
That’s the story of Upshaw, taken in the first round of the 1967 Draft as a tackle, but who was converted to guard thanks to the Raiders’ vision to observe the speed and movement the young man was capable of.
Not only was Upshaw capable of providing elite protection for his quarterback, but he also had the ability to help running backs with runs outside the pocket protection. That ability was instrumental in helping the Raiders win their first two Super Bowls in 1976 and 1980.
The Raiders enjoyed Upshaw’s entire career, which ended in 1981. During that time he was named to the Pro-Bowl seven times, made the All-Pro team five times, was named to the 70’s All-Fame Team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
1.- Best Players in Raiders History: Marcus Allen (RB)
We’ve talked about commitment many times on this list, but none like Allen’s 11 seasons with the Raiders.
The historic running back is considered one of the most complete players in the history of the game thanks to his aforementioned commitment, which was driven by his superb ability to run, catch passes, throw passes and block opponents. All this with an elite category.
Allen split playing time between running back and fullback, as he wanted to help with blocking on many plays. That robbed him of many yards and many touchdowns on the ground, something he didn’t mind after winning the 1983 Super Bowl.
The Hall of Fame inductee since 2003 is the only player in NFL history to win Rookie of the Year, a season MVP and a Super Bowl MVP during his career. In addition, he was named to six Pro-Bowl and made two All-Pro teams.
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