Throughout their existence, the Las Vegas Raiders have become one of the most intimidating teams. No one can deny the success surrounding the Raiders. Do you think you are aware of everything about this team? Let’s consider 10 Las Vegas Raiders facts we bet you didn’t know earlier.
The Longest Passing Play
There is no doubt that the Raiders team has carried out many spectacular plays throughout its history. However, the longest passing play in the team’s history is considered a 99-yard touchdown throw during the 1983 season. On October 2, 1983, Jim Plunkett (the Raiders quarterback) hit wide receiver Cliff Branch for a 99-yard touchdown pass. Plunkett played quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders from 1978 through 1986.
The Team Won 3 Super Bowls
The Silver and Black have won three Super Bowls. It happened three times: in 1977, 1981, and 1984. Moreover, they captured the 1967 American Football League Championship and four American Football Conference titles. If you are afraid to miss the next participation of the Raiders in the championship, you should consider using a VPN for TV. The best solution is to install the VeePN Chrome extension on your device. It will enable you to access geo-blocked content and view the championship with your favorite team on your TV, laptop, PC, or smartphone.
Team’s Place In The Pro Football Hall of Fame
Do you know how many Raiders players have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame? As many as 28 players have been honored to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Even former owner Al Davis was included in this list. The recent inductions happened in August 2021.
Absence of Division Title Winnings
Another fact you probably are not aware of is that the Raiders have not won a division title since 2002. This is the third-longest active streak in the NFL. Entering the 2021 National Football League regular season, the Raiders have played 19 seasons without winning their division title.
Team Origins
The Las Vegas Raiders were founded in 1960 as one of the eight original teams of the American Football League. However, after three losing seasons, the franchise decided to hire a new head coach and general manager. The choice fell on Al Davis in 1963.
“Raider Nation” Was Thought Up by a Fan
The Las Vegas Raiders team is famous for its fans’ furious devotion. The Raiders have an image that is influenced by underdogs and outlaws. One of the fans named Jim Hudson thought up the term “Raider Nation” in the 1990s. This transformed the Las Vegas Raiders team into a brand with diverse admirers. Raider Nation members often dress up in black and silver costumes during games.
Wins By Over 17 Points
The Raiders team has played in five Super Bowls. As mentioned above, it has won three Super Bowl championships. The Las Vegas Raiders dominated in those three victories by at least three possessions. The team knocked off the Minnesota Vikings by 18 points in Super Bowl XI, defeated the Washington Redskins by 29 points in SB XVIII, and beat the Eagles by 17 points in SB XV.
Team Does Not Retire Jersey Numbers
The Las Vegas Raiders are one of three NFL franchises that don’t refuse jersey numbers. It is accepted in sports for various teams throughout various leagues to retire definite numbers in honor of a player being such an important member of their franchise as a whole. Still, the Las Vegas Raiders together with Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons are the only three franchises who simply don’t retire jersey numbers.
Famous Raiders Fans
Aside from ordinary team admirers, a lot of prominent celebrities and musicians are fans of the Las Vegas Raiders as well. Some of them are TV personality Carson Daly, known actor Tom Hanks, chef Guy Fieri, etc. Moreover, Metallica, Slipknot, Green Day, and Rancid band members declared their commitment to “Raider Nation.” Also, rapper Ice Cube has written a few songs about the Las Vegas Raiders team and appeared in its promotional videos.
The Most Successful Periods
The achievements of the Las Vegas Raiders are indisputable. However, seven playoff appearances in the 1970s, five in the 1980s, and six between 1990 and 2002 appeared to be the most successful periods in the team’s history.
Conclusion
The Las Vegas Raiders are regarded as one of the most famous NFL teams for a reason. It has a huge fan base consisting of notable celebrities, musicians, and other admirers. However, even true fans may not know everything about their favorite team. You can familiarize yourself with the above-discussed Las Vegas Raiders facts to learn more about this great team.
*Top Photo: Scott Winters/Icon Sports Wire via Getty Images