This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on the Oakland Raiders. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

The Silver and Black Saga

An in-depth exploration of the iconic franchise's journey through eras of dominance, relocation, and enduring legacy.

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Franchise Genesis

AFL Origins

Established on January 30, 1960, the Oakland Raiders began as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). The franchise was awarded to Oakland after the Minneapolis AFL team moved to the NFL. Despite Oakland not actively seeking a team and the presence of the San Francisco 49ers, the AFL owners placed the team there to establish a West Coast presence.

Early Financials and Name

The initial ownership group, led by Y. Charles (Chet) Soda, faced immediate financial challenges. A contest to name the team initially resulted in "Oakland Seňors," but this was quickly changed to the "Oakland Raiders" due to public reaction. The team's original colors were black, gold, and white, with the iconic pirate emblem introduced early on.

Initial Stadiums and Struggles

The Raiders played their inaugural season in 1960, splitting home games between Kezar Stadium in San Francisco and Candlestick Park. Due to stadium issues, they moved to Frank Youell Field in Oakland in 1962. The early years were marked by poor performance, with the team finishing 1-13 in 1962, continuing a significant losing streak.

Key Figures

Al Davis

Al Davis joined the Raiders in 1963 as head coach and general manager, quickly transforming the team's fortunes. His aggressive style, innovative strategies, and famous slogans like "Pride and Poise" and "Just Win, Baby" defined the Raiders' identity. Davis later became a part-owner and the ultimate authority, shaping the franchise for decades.

John Madden

As head coach from 1969 to 1978, John Madden led the Raiders to consistent success, including seven AFL/AFC Championship appearances and their first Super Bowl title (XI) in 1976. His disciplined approach and ability to foster a tough, competitive team culture are legendary.

Tom Flores

Tom Flores, the first Hispanic head coach in NFL history, took over in 1979. He guided the Raiders to their second Super Bowl victory (XV) in 1980 as a wild card team, solidifying his place in franchise history.

Jon Gruden

Jon Gruden had two stints as head coach (1998-2001, 2018-2019). His first tenure saw the Raiders reach the AFC Championship game in 2000 and the Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002. His return in 2018 marked a significant, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to rebuild the team.

Defining Eras

The "Commitment to Excellence" (1963-1978)

Under Al Davis and later John Madden, the Raiders became synonymous with a rebellious, tough, and winning image. This era saw the team achieve significant success, including their first AFL Championship and Super Bowl XI victory, characterized by hard-hitting players and an aggressive style.

Los Angeles Interlude (1982-1994)

Following a protracted legal battle with the NFL over stadium issues in Oakland, Davis successfully moved the franchise to Los Angeles in 1982. The Raiders played at the Los Angeles Coliseum, winning Super Bowl XVIII during this period, before returning to Oakland.

Return to Oakland & Modern Era (1995-2019)

The Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995, playing at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. This period was marked by inconsistency, a coaching carousel, and significant draft misses, though they reached Super Bowl XXXVII under Bill Callahan. The era concluded with the franchise's relocation to Las Vegas.

Championship Pedigree

Super Bowl Victories

The Raiders secured two Super Bowl titles during their Oakland tenure:

  • Super Bowl XI (1976 season): Defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 under coach John Madden.
  • Super Bowl XV (1980 season): Defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 under coach Tom Flores, becoming the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl.

Tom Flores also led the team to a third Super Bowl title (XVIII) in 1983 after the move to Los Angeles.

AFL/AFC Championships

The franchise claimed four AFL/AFC Championship titles:

  • 1967 AFL Championship: Defeated the Houston Oilers 40-7 under coach John Rauch.
  • 1976 AFC Championship: Defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-7 under coach John Madden.
  • 1980 AFC Championship: Defeated the San Diego Chargers 34-27 under coach Tom Flores.
  • 2002 AFC Championship: Defeated the Tennessee Titans 41-24 under coach Bill Callahan.

Division Titles

The Raiders consistently performed well within their divisions, capturing numerous titles:

  • AFL West: 1967, 1968, 1969
  • AFC West: 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 2000, 2001, 2002

A total of 12 division titles underscore their historical competitiveness.

Home Fields

Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

The Raiders' primary home for much of their history in Oakland. It served as their base from 1966-1981 and again from 1995-2019. This stadium witnessed their greatest triumphs, including Super Bowl XI and numerous division titles.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

From 1982 to 1994, the Raiders played their home games in Los Angeles. The iconic Coliseum was the site of their Super Bowl XVIII victory, marking a successful chapter in Southern California.

Other Early Venues

In their initial years, the Raiders utilized Kezar Stadium (1960) and Candlestick Park (1960-1961) before settling into Frank Youell Field (1962-1965) as a temporary home.

Enduring Legacy

The Silver and Black Identity

The Raiders cultivated a unique image in professional sports, characterized by their rebellious attitude, distinctive silver and black colors, and the menacing pirate logo. This "outlaw" persona, heavily influenced by Al Davis, resonated deeply with fans, creating a passionate fanbase known as "Raider Nation."

Iconic Slogans and Culture

Phrases like "Commitment to Excellence," "Pride and Poise," and "Just Win, Baby" became synonymous with the Raiders' ethos. These slogans, along with the team's aggressive style of play, fostered a distinct culture that transcended the sport, influencing fashion and popular culture.

"The Autumn Wind"

The poem "The Autumn Wind," written by Steve Sabol of NFL Films and narrated by John Facenda, became the unofficial anthem of the Raiders. Its evocative imagery and powerful delivery perfectly captured the spirit and intensity associated with the team, earning it the moniker "The Battle Hymn of the Raider Nation."

Seasonal Records

Performance Overview

The table below summarizes the Raiders' performance across their various eras, highlighting key achievements such as division titles, conference championships, and Super Bowl appearances.

Oakland Raiders Seasonal Records
Season Team League Conference Division Regular season Postseason results Awards Head coaches Refs.
Finish W L T
Oakland Raiders (1960–1981)
1960 1960 AFL Western 3rd 6 8 0 Eddie Erdelatz [94]
1961 1961 AFL Western 4th 2 12 0 Eddie Erdelatz (0–2)
Marty Feldman (2–10)
[95]
1962 1962 AFL Western 4th 1 13 0 Marty Feldman (0–5)
Red Conkright (1–8)
[96]
1963 1963 AFL Western 2nd 10 4 0 Al Davis (MVP) Al Davis [97]
1964 1964 AFL Western 3rd 5 7 2 Al Davis [98]
1965 1965 AFL Western 2nd 8 5 1 Al Davis [99]
1966 1966 AFL Western 2nd 8 5 1 John Rauch [100]
1967 1967 AFL§ Western^ 1st^ 13 1 0 Won AFL Championship (Oilers) 40–7
Lost Super Bowl II (Packers) 14–33
Daryle Lamonica (MVP) John Rauch [101]
1968 1968 AFL Western^ 1st^ 12 2 0 Won Divisional playoffs (Chiefs)
Lost AFL Championship (at Jets) 23–27
John Rauch [102]
1969 1969 AFL Western^ 1st^ 12 1 1 Won Divisional playoffs (Oilers)
Lost AFL Championship (Chiefs) 7–17
Daryle Lamonica (MVP) John Madden [103]
1970 1970 NFL AFC West^ 1st^ 8 4 2 Won Divisional playoffs (Dolphins)
Lost AFC Championship (at Colts) 17–27
John Madden [104]
1971 1971 NFL AFC West 2nd 8 4 2 John Madden [105]
1972 1972 NFL AFC West^ 1st^ 10 3 1 Lost Divisional playoffs (at Steelers) 7–13 John Madden [106]
1973 1973 NFL AFC West^ 1st^ 9 4 1 Won Divisional playoffs (Steelers)
Lost AFC Championship (at Dolphins) 10–27
John Madden [107]
1974 1974 NFL AFC West^ 1st^ 12 2 0 Won Divisional playoffs (Dolphins) 28–26
Lost AFC Championship (Steelers) 13–24
Ken Stabler (MVP, OPOY) John Madden [108]
1975 1975 NFL AFC West^ 1st^ 11 3 0 Won Divisional playoffs (Bengals)
Lost AFC Championship (at Steelers) 10–16
John Madden [109]
1976 1976 NFL AFC* West^ 1st^ 13 1 0 Won Divisional playoffs (Patriots)
Won AFC Championship (Steelers)
Won Super Bowl XI (1) (vs. Vikings) 32–14
Fred Biletnikoff (SB MVP) John Madden [110]
1977 1977 NFL AFC West 2nd# 11 3 0 Won Divisional playoffs (at Colts) 37–31 (2 OT)
Lost AFC Championship (at Broncos) 17–20
John Madden [111]
1978 1978 NFL AFC West 2nd 9 7 0 John Madden [112]
1979 1979 NFL AFC West 4th 9 7 0 Tom Flores [113]
1980 1980 NFL AFC* West 2nd# 11 5 0 Won Wild Card playoffs (Oilers)
Won Divisional playoffs (at Browns) 14–12
Won AFC Championship (at Chargers) 34–27
Won Super Bowl XV (2) (vs. Eagles) 27–10
Lester Hayes (DPOY)
Jim Plunkett (CBPOY, SB MVP)
Tom Flores [114]
1981 1981 NFL AFC West 4th 7 9 0 Tom Flores [115]
Oakland Raiders (1995–2019)
1995 1995 NFL AFC West 5th 8 8 0 Mike White [116]
1996 1996 NFL AFC West 4th 7 9 0 Mike White [117]
1997 1997 NFL AFC West 4th 4 12 0 Charles Woodson (DROY) Joe Bugel [118]
1998 1998 NFL AFC West 2nd 8 8 0 Jon Gruden [119]
1999 1999 NFL AFC West 3rd 8 8 0 Jon Gruden [120]
2000 2000 NFL AFC West^ 1st^ 12 4 0 Won Divisional playoffs (Dolphins)
Lost AFC Championship (Ravens) 3–16
Jon Gruden [121]
2001 2001 NFL AFC West^ 1st^ 10 6 0 Won Wild Card playoffs (Jets)
Lost Divisional playoffs (at Patriots) 13–16 (OT)
Jon Gruden [122]
2002 2002 NFL AFC* West^ 1st^ 11 5 0 Won Divisional playoffs (Jets)
Won AFC Championship (Titans)
Lost Super Bowl XXXVII (vs. Buccaneers) 21–48
Rich Gannon (MVP) Bill Callahan [123]
2003 2003 NFL AFC West 3rd 4 12 0 Bill Callahan [124]
2004 2004 NFL AFC West 4th 5 11 0 Norv Turner [125]
2005 2005 NFL AFC West 4th 4 12 0 Norv Turner [126]
2006 2006 NFL AFC West 4th 2 14 0 Art Shell [127]
2007 2007 NFL AFC West 4th 4 12 0 Lane Kiffin [128]
2008 2008 NFL AFC West 3rd 5 11 0 Lane Kiffin (1–3)
Tom Cable (4–8)
[129]
2009 2009 NFL AFC West 3rd 5 11 0 Tom Cable [130]
2010 2010 NFL AFC West 3rd 8 8 0 Tom Cable [131]
2011 2011 NFL AFC West 3rd 8 8 0 Hue Jackson [132]
2012 2012 NFL AFC West 3rd 4 12 0 Dennis Allen [133]
2013 2013 NFL AFC West 4th 4 12 0 Dennis Allen [134]
2014 2014 NFL AFC West 4th 3 13 0 Khalil Mack (DROY) Dennis Allen (0–4)
Tony Sparano (3–9)
[135]
2015 2015 NFL AFC West 3rd 7 9 0 Amari Cooper, Derek Carr, Khalil Mack, Donald Penn (Pro Bowl) Jack Del Rio [136]
2016 2016 NFL AFC West 2nd# 12 4 0 Lost Wild Card playoffs (at Texans) 14–27 Khalil Mack (DPOY) Jack Del Rio [137]
2017 2017 NFL AFC West 3rd 6 10 0 Jack Del Rio [138]
2018 2018 NFL AFC West 4th 4 12 0 Jon Gruden [139]
2019 2019 NFL AFC West 3rd 7 9 0 Jon Gruden [140]

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References

References

  1.  Parker, Craig (2003). Football's Blackest Hole: A Fan's Perspective. Frog, Ltd.; Berkeley, California. p. 69.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Oakland Raiders Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding sports history, team management, or player statistics. Always refer to official league and team resources and consult with qualified experts for specific insights.

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