ONE
The Las Vegas Raiders were founded as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). Spearheaded by businessmen such as Wayne Valley, the franchise was established in 1960, initially playing its home games at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco before moving to Frank Youell Field in Oakland. The team struggled for its first three seasons. In 1963, Al Davis was hired as head coach and general manager, leading to immediate improvement. The Raiders finished the 1963 season with a 10-4 record - earning Davis AFL Coach of the Year honors. After Al Davis left briefly to become AFL Commissioner in 1966, the Raiders - under head coach John Rauch - finished the 1970 regular season with a 13-1 record. They won the AFL Championship but lost to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl II.
Las Vegas Raiders Logo
TWO
The Bengals fought for a full merger between the AFL and the NFL - wanting three NFL teams to
move over from the NFL into the AFC, and that soon happened. Cincinnati, and the other AFL teams,
were joined by the NFL's Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers - so Paul Brown
would face-off against his former team twice a year in the ‘Battle of Ohio’. Cincinnati made their
first-ever playoff appearance after the 1970 season, and in the seventies, assistant coach Bill Walsh
perfected his soon-to-be iconic ‘West Coast Offense’.
THREE
In 1969, the Raiders hired head coach John Madden and soon became one of the most dominant teams of the 1970s. Madden's tenure peaked in the 1976 season when the Raiders finished with a 13-1 record and went on to win Super Bowl XI - defeating the Minnesota Vikings 32-14. Al Davis had created a super team with five of the roster eventually becoming Pro Football Hall of Famers. Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff, corner Willie Brown, linebacker Ted Hendricks, guard Gene Upshaw and tackle Art Shell were all given the honour.
John Madden, Head Coach 1969-1978
FOUR
The Raiders relocated to Los Angeles in 1982, a move driven by Al Davis's quest for a better stadium deal. Despite the controversy surrounding the move, the Raiders continued to thrive. They won their third Super Bowl in the 1983 season (Super Bowl XVIII) with a dominating 38-9 victory over the Washington Redskins. During this period, the team was known for its tough defense, led by players like Howie Long and Lester Hayes, and its dynamic offense with stars like Marcus Allen. The latter would have a stellar career earning accolade after accolade and eventually being placed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Marcus Allen, Running Back 1982-1992
FIVE
In 1995, the Raiders moved back to Oakland after a complicated series of legal and financial negotiations. The team's performance was inconsistent during this period, with notable highs such as reaching the Super Bowl in the 2002 season (Super Bowl XXXVII) - where they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - and several playoff appearances in the early 2000s. However, the team also faced numerous lows, including long stretches without playoff appearances and frequent coaching changes.
SIX
Al Davis, whose leadership and vision had defined the Raiders for decades, passed away in 2011. His death marked the end of an era for the franchise. His son, Mark Davis, inherited ownership and has since sought to uphold his father's legacy while navigating the team through new challenges. Al Davis was known for his pioneering moves, including hiring the first African American head coach (Art Shell) and the first female CEO (Amy Trask) in NFL history.
Mark Davis, Owner 2011-Present
SEVEN
Under head coach Jack Del Rio, hired in 2015, the Raiders underwent a significant rebuild. The efforts paid off in the 2016 season when the team finished with a 12-4 record and made the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Key players like quarterback Derek Carr, defensive end Khalil Mack, and wide receiver Amari Cooper played crucial roles in the resurgence. After an early playoff exit due to an injury to Derek Carr, the Raiders would go on to win just 17 games in the next three seasons.
Derek Carr, Quarterback 2014-2022
EIGHT
The Raiders officially relocated to Las Vegas in 2020 - becoming the first NFL team to ever call the city home. The move was part of a broader strategy to secure a modern stadium and more robust financial footing. The team now plays its home games at Allegiant Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility known as the "Death Star." The relocation aimed to tap into a new market and fan base, promising a fresh start for the franchise. Despite this, the Raiders have experienced significant coaching problems in recent years. Jon Gruden, rehired in 2018 with a massive 10-year contract, resigned in 2021 after numerous controversial emails were leaked to the public. Interim head coach Rich Bisaccia led the team to a surprising playoff berth in the 2021 season, before the Raiders hired Josh McDaniels - a former New England Patriots offensive coordinator - as head coach in 2022
Allegiant Stadium
NINE
Josh McDaniels entered his second season with the Raiders in 2023. Known for his offensive expertise from his time with the New England Patriots, McDaniels aimed to solidify his system and improve the team's performance after a challenging 2022 season. However, a disappointing 3-5 start saw owner Mark Davis fire him and hand over the keys to interim head coach Antonio Pierce. The players immediately took to the former linebackers coach and - after a solid 5-4 record to end the 2023 season - Davis hired him full time. With star edge rusher Maxx Crosby and elite receiver Davante Adams, the raiders and Pierce have a lot to look forward to in 2024.
Davante Adams, Wide Receiver 2022-Present
BEFORE YOU GO
The Raiders have always been known for their maverick attitude, both on and off the field. This rebellious spirit has been a defining characteristic of the franchise, embodied in their slogan, "Just win, baby!"
The Raiders have one of the most passionate and widespread fan bases, known internationally as "Raider Nation."
According to Forbes, the Las Vegas Raiders net worth is estimated at $6.2 billion as of 2023.
