# What are the key facts about the Oakland Raiders NFL team?

itraveledthere.io · August 4, 2026

> The Raiders were founded in 1960 as one of the original franchises of the American Football League (AFL), before the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. The team's...

The Raiders were founded in 1960 as one of the original franchises of the American Football League (AFL), before the NFL-AFL merger in 1970.

The team's iconic silver and black color scheme was chosen by original owner Al Davis, who wanted the Raiders to have a "menacing" and "outlaw" image.

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The Raiders hold the NFL record for the longest touchdown pass in Super Bowl history - a 99-yard strike from Jim Plunkett to Kenny King in Super Bowl XV.

Quarterback Ken Stabler, known as "The Snake", led the Raiders to a Super Bowl XI championship in 1976 with his unorthodox and improvisational playing style.

The Raiders were the first NFL team to have a cheerleading squad, the Raiderettes, which was established in 1963.

In 1976, the Raiders became the first team in NFL history to have a Black head coach, Art Shell, who led the team to a Super Bowl appearance.

The Raiders' infamous "Autumn Wind" fight song was composed by longtime NFL Films composer Sam Spence in the 1970s.

The team's mascot, "Raider Rusher", is a Raider Pirate-themed character who has been entertaining fans since 2003.

The Raiders have had three separate tenures in Oakland (1960-1981, 1995-2019) and one in Los Angeles (1982-1994) before moving to Las Vegas in 2020.

The Raiders hold the record for the most overtime games in NFL history, with 28 as of the end of the 2023 season.

Cornerback Charles Woodson, a first-round draft pick by the Raiders in 1998, is the only player in NFL history to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Super Bowl MVP awards.

The Raiders' 63-21 victory over the Chargers in 2023 set a new franchise record for most points scored in a single game, surpassing their previous high of 59 points.

Legendary head coach John Madden, who led the Raiders to a Super Bowl XI championship in 1976, was known for his innovative offensive strategies and larger-than-life personality.

Wide receiver Tim Brown, who played for the Raiders from 1988 to 2003, is the franchise's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

The Raiders' fans are so dedicated that they have a custom-made Raider "Black Hole" section in the stands, where the most passionate and costumed supporters congregate.

The Raiders' "Commitment to Excellence" motto, coined by owner Al Davis, has become a defining element of the team's identity and culture.

The Raiders have had several memorable and controversial moments in their history, including the "Immaculate Reception" play against the Steelers in the 1972 playoffs.

Quarterback Derek Carr, who has been the Raiders' starting QB since 2014, is the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and quarterback wins.

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