Established
1960
City
Oakland - Los Angeles - Oakland - Las Vegas
League History
1970 - Present / National Football League
1960 - 1969 / American Football League
Team History
2020 - Present / Las Vegas Raiders
1995 - 2019 / Oakland Raiders
1982 - 1994 / Los Angeles Raiders
1960 - 1981 / Oakland Raiders
Nickname
Raiders - The Oakland Raiders have one of the most recognizable nicknames in all professional sports. But where did it come from? Let’s look at the origins of this iconic nickname and how it has become synonymous with some of the greatest teams in NFL history.
In 1960, when Al Davis was hired as head coach and general manager for what was then known as “the Oakland Senors,” he wanted to change their name to something more intimidating to reflect his team's authoritarian style on the field. After considering several options, such as “Oakland Grizzlies” or even plain old “Raiders,” Davis settled on using a combination: The Oakland Raiders. This name paid homage to California's Gold Rush history and its reputation for being wild and untamed during those early years—much like how Davis envisioned his team playing football!
Oakland Raiders Origin
Since then, The Raiders have become one of football's most legendary franchises thanks in part due to their hard-hitting style but also because they've been home to some great players over time, including Hall-of-Famers Marcus Allen & Howie Long, among many others who helped build an impressive legacy which continues today under Head Coach Jon Gruden & General Manager Mike Mayock. So while you may not know exactly why they're called "The Oakland Raiders," there is no doubt that this nickname perfectly sums up everything about them: Toughness combined with success!
Championship
Super Bowl 2
1983, 1981, 1977
AFL Championships 1
1967
Stadium
2020 - Present / Allegiant Stadium
*Oakland*
2019 - 2019 / RingCentral Coliseum
2016 - 2018 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
2012 - 2015 / O.co Coliseum
2011 / Overstock.com Coliseum
2008 - 2011 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
2004 - 2008 / McAfee Coliseum
1995 - 2004 / Network Associates Coliseum
*Los Angeles*
1982 - 1994 / Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
*Oakland*
1966 - 1998 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
1962 - 1965 / Frank Youell Field
*San Francisco*
1961 / Candlestick Park
1960 / Kezar Stadium and Candlestick Park
Owner
2011 - Present / Mark and Carol Davis
1983 - 2011 / Al Davis
1976 - 1983 / Al Davis and Ed McGah
1966 - 1976 / F. Wayne Valley, Ed McGah and Al Davis
1961 - 1966 / F. Wayne Valley and Ed McGah
1960 / Y. Charles (Chet) Soda
- 1960
- 1972
- 1976
- 1980
- 1995
- 2011
-
Oakland Team Formation
A few months after the first AFL draft in 1959, the owners of the yet-unnamed Minneapolis franchise accepted an offer to join the established National Football League as an expansion team (now called the Minnesota Vikings) in 1961, sending the AFL scrambling for a replacement. At the time, Oakland seemed an unlikely venue for a professional football team. The city ... -
AL Davis Takes over Ownership
In 1972, while managing general partner Valley was attending the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Davis drafted a revised partnership agreement that made him the new managing general partner, with near-absolute control over team operations. McGah signed the agreement. Since two of the team’s three general partners had voted in favor of the agreement, it was binding under the partnership ... -
Super Bowl XI Winner 1976
Super Bowl XI was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Oakland Raiders and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Minnesota Vikings to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1976 season. The Raiders defeated the Vikings by the score of 32–14 to win their first Super Bowl. The game was played on January ... -
Super Bowl XV Winner 1980
Super Bowl XV was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Oakland Raiders and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Philadelphia Eagles to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1980 season. The Raiders defeated the Eagles by the score of 27–10, becoming the first wild card playoff team to win a Super Bowl. -
Back to Oakland
On June 23, 1995, Davis signed a letter of intent to move the Raiders back to Oakland. The move was approved by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors the next month, as well as by the NFL. The move was greeted with much fanfare, and under new head coach Mike White the 1995 season started off well for the team. ... -
Al Davis Death, Mark Davis in Control
Mark Davis inherited the team after the death of his father, Al, in 2011. Davis with his mother, Carol, own a 47 percent share of the Raiders, which is contractually structured to give them controlling interest. Davis has day-to-day control of the team.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Oakland Raiders History
The Oakland Raiders History is one of the most iconic stories in the NFL. Founded in 1960, the team quickly became a powerhouse in professional football. Over time, they built a legacy of toughness, bold moves, and unforgettable moments. Even though the franchise is now known as the Las Vegas Raiders, the roots of success began with the Oakland Raiders football tradition.
Much of the Oakland Raiders History is tied to legendary owner Al Davis. His leadership spanned nearly four decades, from 1972 until his passing in 2011. Known for innovation and a relentless drive to win, Davis introduced the famous slogan “Just Win, Baby!” This phrase became a defining part of Raider Nation, uniting fans in their passion for the silver and black.
The team’s journey included moves between Los Angeles and Oakland. They returned to Oakland in 1995, playing at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum. Over the years, many Hall of Fame players shaped the Oakland Raiders football identity. Stars like Bo Jackson, Marcus Allen, Howie Long, Ken Stabler, and Tim Brown left a lasting impact on both the franchise and the league.
Oakland Raiders Achievements
The Oakland Raiders History also includes more recent stars. Players such as Derek Carr and Khalil Mack carried the tradition of toughness into modern times. While the franchise eventually transitioned to Las Vegas, the Oakland era remains unforgettable, with fans showing loyalty through both highs and lows. Raider Nation continues to honor those decades in Oakland as a proud chapter of football history.
The Oakland Raiders football legacy features remarkable achievements. The team won three Super Bowls, four AFC Championships, and 15 division titles while in Oakland. These victories secured the Raiders’ place as one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. The accomplishments remain central to the Oakland Raiders History, reminding fans of the team’s lasting greatness.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
