Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders: Pride and Poise, Commitment to Excellence, Just Win, Baby.

via Wikipedia: T. J. Houshmandzadeh · see source

The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team of the National Football League (NFL). The Raiders played in Oakland, California, from its founding in 1960 to 1981, and again from 1995 to 2019 before moving to the Las Vegas metropolitan area where they now play as the Las Vegas Raiders. Between 1982 and 1994, the team played in Los Angeles, California as the Los Angeles Raiders.

Lore & Background

Founded on January 30, 1960, the Oakland Raiders played their first regular season game on September 11, 1960, as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). They moved to the NFL with the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. They played their last game as a California–based franchise on December 29, 2019. The Raiders played their home games at various venues in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, their home stadium from 1966 to 1981, and later 1995 to 2019. During their tenure in Oakland, the Raiders won 12 Division titles (three AFL West, nine AFC West); four AFL / AFC championships: 1967, 1976, 1980, and 2002; and two Super Bowl championships: 1976 (XI) and 1980 (XV).

Reader's Guide

The Raiders' first Oakland era spanned 1960 to 1981. The team was awarded as the eighth AFL franchise on January 30, 1960, after the Minneapolis franchise left for the NFL. A limited partnership was formed, headed by managing general partner Y. Charles (Chet) Soda. A 'name the team' contest was held, and the winner was announced April 4, 1960, as the Oakland Señors, but nine days later the name was changed to the Oakland Raiders.

The original team colors were black, gold and white. The team emblem of a pirate wearing a football helmet was created, reportedly a rendition of actor Randolph Scott. The Raiders played their first regular season home game on September 11, 1960, at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco, a 37–22 loss to the Houston Oilers. They later moved to Candlestick Park for the final three home games of 1960.

In 1962, they moved to Frank Youell Field in Oakland. After the 1962 season, Al Davis became head coach and general manager, changing the team colors to silver and black. Under Davis, the Raiders improved to 10–4 in 1963. In April 1966, Davis left to become AFL Commissioner, but returned on July 25, 1966, as part-owner and third general partner.

The Raiders won the 1967 AFL Championship, defeating the Houston Oilers 40–7, but lost Super Bowl II to the Green Bay Packers 33–14. In 1969, John Madden became head coach. The Raiders became part of the NFL in 1970 after the AFL–NFL merger.