Oakland Raiders Timeline :: Raiders History

The timeline, much like the site itself, is a work in progess. I'll be adding additional years as I get time. I'll be breaking each year down onto its own page. So for the first year of Raiders History, visit page one, the second year page two etc...

Enjoy

Jim

1960

January 4, 1960

First article appears in Oakland Tribune announcing the Oakland was one of four cities in line for the eighth and final original American Football League franchise

January 7, 1960

Oakland city councilman Robert Osborne pledges $200,000 of his own money to join a group intent on bringing professional football to Oakland.

January 30, 1960
After Los Angeles Chargers owner Barron Hilton threatens to pull his franchise out of the new American Football League, AFL owners vote 6-1 to grant the eight and final franchise to Oakland.

Early February 1960
Y.C. “Chet” Soda named team’s first general manager

February 9, 1960
Former Navy head coach Eddie Erdelatz named first head coach

March 3-4, 1960
American Football League implements a plan to stock the new Oakland franchise with the best available football talent.

March 24, 1960
Winning entry from The Oakland Tribune’s “Name Your Football Team” contest announced. Oakland’s AFL entry christened, “the Senors.”

April 1, 1960
After public and media outcry, the Oakland football team renamed “the Raiders.”

June 9, 1960
New York Titans owner Harry Wismer and Jay Michaels, father of broadcaster Al Michaels, negotiate American Football League’s first television deal with ABC.

July 10, 1960
Raiders first training camp opens at Santa Cruz High School in Santa Cruz, Ca. Players are required to walk to and from practice to Hotel Palomar, where they are headquartered.

July 25, 1960
Raiders are introduced to unimpressed shoppers in the “Welcome Raiders” parade in downtown Oakland.

July 31, 1960
Raiders play their first preseason game at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco losing 20-13 to the Dallas Texans.

August 13, 1960
Raiders win their first preseason game at Sacramento’s Hughes Stadium 23-17 over the New York Titans.

September 11, 1960
Raiders open inaugural season at Kezar Stadium losing 37-22 to the Houston Oilers. Tony Teresa gains 116 yards on pass receptions, Jack Larschied adds 105 more yards to Tom Flores and Babe Parilli’s passing totals.

September 25, 1960
Oakland team crosses an NAACP picket line formed to protest Jeppeson Stadium’s segregated seating policy to beat Houston 14-13 for their first regular season win.

November 13, 1960 Tony Teresa runs for 141 yards on the ground with 83 coming on one jaunt as the Raiders down Buffalo 20-7 in the final regular season home game at Kezar Stadium.

December 4, 1960
Raiders play their first game in their new home Candlestick Park and are eliminated in the division title hunt by the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17. Charley Hardy gains 123 yards through the air.

December 17, 1960
Raiders conclude first season with a 48-10 demolition of the Denver Broncos at Candlestick.

Center Jim Otto is the only Raider named All-AFL

1961

January 17, 1961
Under the threat of franchise revocation, the Oakland Raiders eight-man general partnership reduced to three after a league orchestrated buy out. Ed McGah named president, while Wayne Valley (vice president) and Robert Osborne (treasurer) retain their executive positions in the reorganized directorship. Bud Hastings would be named general manager in place of Chet Soda who was bought out by his partners.

April 1961
Raiders involved in the American Football League’s first major trade, dealing quarterback Babe Parilli and fullback Billy Lott to the Boston Patriots for fullback Alan Miller, halfback Dick Christy and defensive tackle Hal Smith.

Location for the proposed Oakland Alameda County Coliseum chosen along Oakland’s Nimitz freeway.

September 9, 1961
Regular season begins with a 55-0 defeat in Houston

September 18, 1961
Head coach Eddie Erdelatz fired after second consecutive shutout defeat. Raiders are shut out 99-0 over the first two weeks. Marty Feldman named second head coach.

October 2, 1961
Wayne Crow rushes for 107 yards on 16 carries and George Fleming set a new team and American Football League record with a 54-yard field goal as the Raiders win their first game of the year 33-19 over Denver.

October 29, 1961
Wayne Crow sets team record with a 77-yard punt into the Candlestick wind Vs. the New York Titans.

October 31, 1961
Raiders co-owner Wayne Valley gives Oakland officials an ultimatum, build the Raiders a stadium in Oakland for the 1962 season or lose the team.

November 5, 1961
Raiders win for the final time in 1961, 33-22 over the Buffalo Bills in War Memorial Stadium.

November 16, 1961
Ground broken on Frank Youell Field.

December 17, 1961
Raiders close out second season with their sixth consecutive loss, 47-16 to the Houston Oilers at Candlestick.

Jim Otto named All-AFL for second consecutive year.

1962

June 27, 1962
Raiders allowed to select veteran players from other AFL teams to create a better competitive advantage.

August 2, 1962
Frank Youell Field opens in front of 17,053 as Raiders fall to the Chargers 33-27.

September 9, 1962
Third American Football League season begins, Raiders fall at home to the New York Titans 28-17.

September 30, 1962
Fred “The Hammer” Williamson returns an interception 91 yards for a touchdown in a 42-33 loss to the San Diego Chargers at Frank Youell Field.

October 15, 1962
Raiders fire second head coach Marty Feldman after team is badly outperformed by the Denver Broncos in consecutive games. Defensive line coach and chief scout William “Red” Conkright succeeds him. Offensive backfield coach Tom Kalminar also dismissed.

November 11, 1962
Bo Roberson picks up 107 receiving yards Vs. Houston

December 2, 1962
Receiver Dick Dorsey gains 155 yards through the air as the Raiders hold the Chargers to less than 41 points for the first time in league play in a 31-21 loss.

December 9 1962
Red Conkright and offensive line coach Ollie Spencer depart on a scouting expedition leaving Raiders squad to defensive backfield coach Walt Michaels in Jeppeson Stadium. Though Clem Daniels rushes for 187 yards, Oakland team loses for 19th consecutive time in league play.

December 16, 1962
Professional Footballs’ longest losing streak ends as the Oakland Raiders smash the Boston Patriots 20-0 at Frank Youell Field. This victory also marks the teams first ever by shutout.

Jim Otto and Fred “The Hammer” Williamson named All-AFL

1963

January 20, 1963
Al Davis named Raiders fourth head coach and general manager.

May 11, 1963
Raiders and New York Jets allowed to select veterans from other AFL squads to form a more competitive balance. Only the Chargers Claude “Hoot” Gibson was selected by the Oakland Raiders

August 4, 1963
Raiders win first ever exhibition opener 24-17 over the Boston Patriots at Frank Youell Field.

September 7, 1963
On the strength of six interceptions, three coming from Tommy Morrow andArt Powell’s 181 receiving yards, the Raiders down the Houston Oilers 24-13 at Jeppeson Stadium to win their first ever season opening game.

September 15, 1963
Clem Daniels hauls in three receptions for 172 yards and Cotton Davidson passes for 315 as the Raiders win their second game of the season to go 2-0, the best start in franchise history and establish their first winning streak since weeks 5 & 6 of the 1960 season.

October 20, 1963
Clem Daniels rushes for 200 yards against the New York Jets at Frank Youell Field resetting his own team record.

October 27, 1963
Oakland Raiders shock the San Diego Chargers 34-33 at Balboa Stadium in San Diego. This would be the first Raiders victory over their in-state rival in a combined 10 meetings (six regular season, four exhibition).

November 3, 1963
Clem Daniels picks up 122 rushing yards against the Kansas City Chiefs at Frank Youell Field while Claude “Hoot” Gibson beats the Chiefs with an 85-yard punt return.

December 8, 1963
Art Powell gains 132 yards through the air to help his Raiders team score 31 fourth quarter points to overcome the San Diego Chargers 41-27 at Frank Youell Field.

December 15, 1963
Art Powell hauls in 127 yards of offense in a 35-31 Raiders win over the Broncos at Frank Youell Field.

December 22, 1963
Raiders conclude fourth season and an eight game win streak with a wild 52-49 win over the Houston Oilers at Frank Youell Field. Clem Daniels rushes for 158 yards and concludes his 1963 campaign with 1,099 rushing yards becoming the first Raider to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in a single season. Art Powell adds four touchdowns and 247 receiving yards in win. Tom Flores contributes 407 passing yards becoming the first Raiders quarterback to surpass the 400-yard mark in a single game.

1964

September 13, 1964
Art Powell opens the 1964 campaign with a 135-yard outing as the Raiders drop their season opener to the Boston Patriots 17-14 at Frank Youell Field.

October 10, 1964
Billy Cannon accounts for 110 and Art Powell 141 receiving yards in a 35-13 loss against the New York Jets at Shea Stadium.

October 16. 1964
Art Powell snags 121 passing yards and Bo Roberson adds 115 more as the Raiders halt a five game losing streak with their first ever tie, a 43-43 decision at Fenway Park against the Patriots.

October 25, 1964
After an 0-5-1 start, the Raiders earn their first win of the season with a dominating 40-7 triumph over the Denver Broncos at Frank Youell Field. Clem Daniels spear-head’s the effort with 167 rushing yards.

November 15, 1964
Behind the running of Clem Daniels who gained 104 yards rushing on the afternoon and the pass catching brilliance of Art Powell who added 152 yards of offense with his receptions, the Raiders earn their second win of the season at home against Houston 20-10.

November 29, 1964
Art Powell’s receiving mastery accounts for 143 yards in a 20-20 tie with the Broncos at Denver’s Bears Stadium.

December 20, 1964
Clem Daniels helps to end the Chargers regular season with 144 yards of offense gained on the ground as the Raiders finish the regular season with a 21-20 win over San Diego at Frank Youell Field.

1965

January 1, 1965
Fred Biletnikoff signs his rookie contract with the Oakland Raiders on the sidelines of the Gator Bowl following a 13-reception, 193-yard, four touchdown performance.

February 1, 1965
Construction begins on the new Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. The new facility would be available to the Raiders during the 1966 regular season.

September 26, 1965
Clem Daniels picks up 115 rushing yards against Houston at Frank Youell Field as the Raiders win 21-17.

October 8, 1965
Art Powell secures 206 receiving yards on 11 receptions and Clem Daniels runs for 113 yards at Fenway Park as the Raiders win in Boston for the first time 24-10.

October 24 1965
Fred Biletnikoff’s receptions account for 118 yards of offense as the Raiders defeated the Boston Patriots 30-21 at Frank Youell Field.

November 7, 1965
Larry Todd gains 149 yards rushing and Clem Daniels contributes 109 receiving against the Houston Oilers at Rice Stadium. Raiders win 33-21.

December 12, 1965
Clem Daniels rushes for 104 yards against the Jets and Art Powell fields 116 yards worth of pass receptions in the Raiders final game at Frank Youell Field, a 24-14 Raiders victory.

1966

April 8, 1966
Al Davis resigns as head coach and general manager of the Oakland Raiders and become the second commissioner of the American Football League. Offensive backfield coach John Rauch was named to succeed him.

June 8, 1966
Led by Al Davis, a merger between the American and National Football League’s is agreed to.

July 25 1966
Al Davis rejoins the Oakland Raiders organization as part owner and given the title of managing general partner.

September 2, 1966
Raiders open seventh season in Miami’s Orange Bowl Stadium and win 23-14 behind Art Powell’s 104 receiving yards.

September 18, 1966
Oakland Alameda County Coliseum opens in front of 50,764 fans. Art Powell electrifies the record home crowd with 133 receiving yards. Raiders lose 32-10.

October 16, 1966
Hewritt Dixon runs over the Kansas City Chiefs secondary for 129 of Tom Flores’ 301 passing yards. Raiders hand the Chiefs their final loss of the 1966 campaign 34-13.

October 23, 1966
Art Powell secures 109 receiving yards against the New York Jets while Clem Daniels chimes in for 104 more on the ground as the Raiders win 24-21.

October 30, 1966
Clem Daniels picks up 112 receiving yards Vs. Boston though the Raiders fall 24-21 to the Patriots.

November 13, 1966
Clem Daniels gains 104 rushing yards at San Diego’s Balboa Stadium as the Raiders stomp the Chargers 41-19.

November 20, 1966
Billy Cannon has 109 receiving yards Vs. Denver leading his tam to a 17-3 victory.

November 24, 1966
Art Powell garners 116 receiving yards against Buffalo on Thanksgiving as the Raiders fall 31-10 at The Coliseum.

December 11, 1966
Art Powell picks up 109 receiving yards against the Denver Broncos at The Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. The Raiders close out the 1966 campaign with an 8-5-1 record and a 28-10 victory.

1967

January 21, 1967
Head coach John Rauch leads the AFL Western Division All-Stars into action at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum against the Mike Holovak led Eastern Division squad. The West loses 30-23.

March 15, 1967
Raiders select Gene Upshaw with their first pick of the first ever, AFL/NFL common draft. Art Powell and Tom Flores traded to Buffalo in exchange for Daryle Lamonica and Glen Bass.

September 3, 1967
The Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers meet for the first time in pre-season action. The 49ers best the Raiders 13-10.

September 10, 1967
The Raiders open the 1967 campaign at home in front of 25,423 at The Coliseum. After managing to lose five yards of offense the entire afternoon, the Denver Broncos would leave Oakland a 51-0 loser after six different Raiders found the end zone.

September 17, 1967
Billy Cannon picks up 114 yards of offense through the air as the Raiders smash the Boston Patriots at the Coliseum 35-7.

October 1, 1967,
The Raiders extend their best ever season opening win streak to three games with a 23-21 win over Kansas City at the Coliseum.

October 2-6, 1967,
New York media christens the Oakland defensive unit “The 11 angry men.”

October 29, 1967
Daryle Lamonica fires for 316 yards of offense through the air as the Raiders destroy San Diego at The Coliseum 51-10.

November 23, 1967
Fred Biletnikoff accounts for 158 receiving yards as the Raiders pound the Chiefs 44-22 on Thanksgiving Day in Kansas City.

December 3, 1967
Daryle Lamonica rips the Chargers air defenses to shreds with 349 passing yards. Oakland wins easily 41-21.

December 10, 1967
The Raiders win the Western Division crown for the first time with a 19-7 victory over Houston at Rice Stadium.

December 17, 1967
Daryle Lamonica with 336 passing yards and Fred Biletnikoff, 110 receiving yards riddle the New York Jets secondary as the Raiders avenge their sole loss of the season, 38-29.

December 24, 1967
The Raiders complete the 1967 Regular season with a 28-21 win over Buffalo, the club’s tenth in succession.

December 31, 1967
The Oakland Raiders capture the American Football League championship with a 40-7 conquest of the Houston Oilers in Oakland.

1968

January 14, 1968
The Oakland Raiders met the Green Bay Packers at Miami’s Orange Bowl Stadium in the second AFL/NFL Championship game. The Packers win their second consecutive world championship 33-14.

January 15, 1968
The Oakland Raiders lose five players, Rod Sherman, Nate Johns, Richard Sligh, Dan Archer and Estes Banks to Cincinnati in the expansion draft.

January 30, 1968
The second common draft is held. Oakland selects Eldridge Dickey of TSU the first African American quarterback to be taken with a first round pick.

September 15, 1968
Oakland Raiders begin their ninth season in Buffalo and wallop their hosts 48-6. Bills head coach Joe Collier fired immediately following the game. George Atkinson leads the way with an 86-yards punt return for a touchdown and Hewritt Dixon chimed in with 104 rushing yards.

September 21, 1968
Daryle Lamonica slices up the Miami secondary for 344 yards of offense through the air as the Raiders win 47-21.

September 29, 1968
Hewritt Dixon dashes for 187 rushing yards as the Raiders defeat the Houston Oilers at the Astrodome 24-15.

October 6, 1968
Fred Bletnikoff hauls in 107 receiving yards as the Raiders rip Boston 41-10 to extend their season opening mark to 4-0.

October 27, 1968
Warren Wells grabs 118 of Daryle Lamonica’s 368 passing yards as the Raiders beat the Cincinnati Bengals 31-10 in the first meeting between the clubs.

November 3, 1968
Fred Biletnikoff hauls in 144 receiving yards and Warren Wells contributes 125 more as Oakland beats Kansas City 38-21.

November 10, 1968
Fred Biletnikoff scores three touchdowns as the Raiders destroy the Denver Broncos on the road 43-7.

November 17, 1968
Daryle Lamonica passes for 311 yards and Fred Biletnikoff has 109 receiving yards as the Raiders score twice in eight seconds in the final minute to upend the New York Jets 43-32 after NBC executive decided to cut away from the final 65 seconds of the game to show a children’s special called Heidi.

November 24, 1968
Charlie Smith runs for 118 yards and Fred Biletnikoff contributes 137 receiving yards while Warren Wells adds 133 more, as the Raiders shut out the Cincinnati Bengals 34-0 at Nippert Stadium.

December 8, 1968
Warren Wells runs wild with 163 of Daryle Lamonica’s 354 passing yards as the Raiders outlast Denver 33-27.

December 15 1968
Warren Wells secures 113 receiving yards as the Raiders slip by the Chargers 34-27.

December 22, 1968
The Raiders blast the Chiefs 41-6 in the Western Division tie-breaker to earn their second consecutive division crown. Fred Biletnikoff catches three of Daryle Lamonica’s five touchdown catches.

December 29 1968
Daryle Lamonica slices the secondary of the New York Jets to ribbons with 401 passing yards on 47 attempts, with 190 of those yards being fielded by Fred Biletnikoff in the American Football League Championship game. Despite these successes, the Raiders fell to the Jets 27-23

1969

January 15, 1969
Head coach John Rauch resigns and takes the head coaching position with the Buffalo Bills.

February 2, 1969
Raiders linebackers coach John Madden appointed the Oakland Raiders sixth head coach in 10 seasons.

June 1, 1969
Al LoCasale named Raiders executive assistant.

September 14, 1969
Raiders open their tenth season at home with a 21-17 win over the Houston Oilers.

September 20, 1969
Fred Biletnikoff runs through the Miami Dolphins secondary for 132 receiving yards as the Raiders outlast the Miami Dolphins 20-17.

October 4, 1969
Fred Biletnikoff runs wild through the Miami defense to contribute 119 yards of offense with his pass receptions in a 17-17 tie at Orange Bowl Stadium.

October 19 1969,
Daryle Lamonica sets a pro football record with six first half touchdown passes and finishes with 313 yards through the air as the Raiders crush the Buffalo Bills at home 50-21.

October 26, 1969
Willie Brown has three interceptions and Pete Banaszak runs for 123 yards as the Raiders match the Chargers AFL record 15 game regular-season unbeaten streak with a 24-12 win in San Diego

November 2, 1969
Warren Wells accounts for 136 receiving yards as the Raiders suffer their sole loss of the 1969 campaign 31-17 against the Bengals.

November 9, 1969
Fred Biletnikoff helps down the Denver Broncos 41-10 with 110 yards receiving.

November 16, 1969
With the help of Warren Wells’ 105 receiving yards, including a 58-yard game winning reception launched after Daryle Lamonica had fallen, the Raiders down the Chargers 21-16 in Oakland

November 30, 1969
Daryle Lamonica fires for 333 passing yards with Warren Wells fielding 152 of them as the Raiders out-fox the Jets 27-14 in New York.

December 7, 1969
Warren Wells hauls in three touchdown passes as the Raiders avenge their sole loss of the 1969 campaign with a 37-17 over the Bengals in Oakland.

December 21, 1969
Daryle Lamonica riddle the Houston Oilers secondary with six touchdown passes, with four coming in the first quarter and three on consecutive throws as the Raiders destroy the Houston Oilers in the only divisional playoff round the American Football League would ever know 56-7.

1970

January 4, 1970
Raiders lose 17-7 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the American Football League’s final championship game.

January 27-28, 1970
Raiders participate in their first draft as an NFL franchise and select Morgan State tight end Raymond Chester with their first pick, #24 overall.

March 16-21, 1970
NFL owners meet in Honolulu Hawaii and new rules are adopted, most notably the American Football League’s 2-point conversion is discarded.

July 12, 1970
Training camp opens in Napa and only rookies attend while the veteran players and owners negotiate a new labor agreement.

August 3, 1970
Veteran players finally report to camp, five days before the first preseason game against the Baltimore Colts at The Coliseum.

September 20, 1970
Raiders open their eleventh season in Cincinnati. Fred Biletnikoff contributes 113 receiving yards in a 31-21 Raiders loss to the Bengals.

September 27, 1970
Warren Wells riddles the San Diego Chargers secondary with 127 receiving yards as the Raiders and Chargers battle to a 27-27 deadlock in San Diego.

October 11, 1970
After beginning the season with an 0-2-1 record, Warren Wells snags 198 of Daryle Lamonica’s 364-yards and scores three touchdowns, as the Raiders open a sold-out 1970 home schedule with a 35-23 win over the Denver Broncos.

October 19, 1970
Hewritt Dixon rushes for 164 yards while Raymond Chester contributes 110 yards receiving as the Raiders defeat the Washington Redskins 34-20.

October 25, 1970
Raymond Chester gains 107 passing yards as the Raiders destroy the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-14.

November 8, 1970
George Blanda delivers a 52-yard field goal in the final seconds as the Raiders defeat the Cleveland Browns 23-20 at The Coliseum.

November 22, 1970,
Fred Biletnikoff weaves through the Chargers defense for 115 receiving yards as the Raiders beat San Diego at The Coliseum 20-17.

November 26, 1970
Fred Biletnikoff contributes 109 receiving yards in a 28-14 Thanksgiving day loss to the Detroit Lions at Tigers Stadium.

December 12, 1970
Raiders capture their fourth consecutive division title by hammering the Kansas City chiefs 20-6.

December 27, 1970
Raiders down the Miami Dolphins 21-14 at The Coliseum for the right to compete in the first American Football Conference championship game.

1971

January 3, 1971
The Baltimore Colts defeat the Oakland Raiders 27-17 in the AFC Championship game.

January 28-29, 1971
Raiders select Ohio State safety Jack Tatum in the first round of the college draft with the #19 pick.

September 19, 1971
Raiders lose 20-6 to the newly renamed New England Patriots to open their twelfth season at Schaefer Stadium in Foxboro Ma. It would be the last time they would taste defeat until late November, as they would be unbeaten over the next nine games.

September 26, 1971
The Raiders silence the San Diego Chargers 34-0 for their first win of the season.

October 4, 1971
Marv Hubbard runs for 103 yards against the Denver Broncos as the Raiders win 27-16 on the road.

October 17, 1971
Fred Biletnikoff hauls in 148 receiving yards as Oakland pounds the Philadelphia Eagles 34-10 at The Coliseum.

October 31, 1971
Fred Biletnikoff scares up 128 receiving yards against the Kansas City Chiefs as the Raiders manage a 20-point tie with the Chiefs at the Coliseum.

December 5, 1971
Marv Hubbard runs for 143 yards against the Atlanta Falcons as the Raiders lose 23-14.

December 12, 1971
With 1:12 to go, Kansas City kicker Jan Stenerud hands the Raiders their third consecutive loss and ends their hopes of a fifth straight division title.

1972

February 1, 1972
Raiders select Villanova receiver Mike Siani in the first round, #21 overall, of the 1972 college draft.

September 17, 1972
Mike Siani has 111 receiving yards in a 34-28 season opening loss in Pittsburgh.

September 24 1972
Marv Hubbard contributes 125 rushing yards while Jack Tatum sets a record with a 104-yard return with a fumble, as the Raiders defeat the Green Bay Packers on the road 20-14.

October 9, 1972
In a sloppy Monday Night Football Performance the Raiders shut out an even sloppier Houston Oilers team at the Astrodome 34-0.

October 15, 1972
Marv Hubbard gains 122 yards against the Buffalo Bills to guide Oakland to a 28-16 victory.

October 29, 1972
Willie Brown steals three enemy passes lead the Raiders to a 45-17 win over the Rams.

November 5, 1972
Fred Biletnikoff totals 114 receiving yards against the Chiefs in a 27-14 loss in Kansas City.

November 12, 1972
Charlie Smith picks up 146 yards on the ground in Cincinnati as the Raiders win 20-14.

November 19, 1972
For the second consecutive week, Charlie Smith breaks the 100-yard mark with a 101-yard performance as the Raiders manhandle the Broncos in Denver 37-20.

December 3, 1972
Raiders capture their fifth division title in six seasons with a 21-19 win over the Chargers in San Diego.

December 11, 1972
Marv Hubbard runs for 118 yards as the Raiders beat the Jets 24-16.

December 23, 1972
After taking the lead at 7-6 on a 30-yard Ken Stabler scramble with 1:22 seconds to go in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs, a pass intended for Steelers receiver John “Frenchy” Fuqua was deflected. What has never been determined for a fact is if Fuqua touched the ball or if the ball hit safety Jack Tatum. What is known is that the ball carried up-field to rookie running back Franco Harris who caught it and scored the winning touchdown known as the immaculate reception. The freak play eliminated Oakland from the playoffs with a 13-7 defeat.

1973

January 30, 1973
Raiders become the first team to select a punter in the first round of any pro football draft as they used the #23 overall selection to acquire Ray Guy from Southern Mississippi.

September 16, 1973
Mike Siani has 111 receiving yards and George Atkinson finds the end zone with a punt return in a 24-16 opening week road loss to Minnesota.

September 23, 1973
George Blanda kicks four field goals at the University of California’s Memorial Stadium as the Raiders end the Miami Dolphins 18-game win streak 12-7.

October 2, 1973
Fred Biletnikoff and Mike Siani each snare 116 of Ken Stabler’s 313 passing yards as the Raiders and Broncos battle to a 23-point tie. This is the first time since 1962 the Raiders were not victorious over the Denver Broncos.

October 28, 1973
Ken Stabler throws for 304 yards in a 34-21 win over the Colts in Baltimore.

November 4, 1973
Oakland dominates the New York Giants 42-0!

November 11, 1973
Fred Biletnikoff gains 105 yards in receptions as the Raiders fall to the Steelers at home 17-9.

December 16, 1973
Raiders capture their fifth division title in six years with a 21-17 win over Denver.

December 22, 1973
Oakland avenges the 1972 playoff loss to the Steelers by destroying Pittsburgh 33-14 to advance to the AFC Championship game against Miami.

December 30, 1973
Dolphins defeat the Oakland Raiders 27-10 to advance to Super Bowl VIII.

1974

January 29, 1974
Tackle Henry Lawrence of Florida A&M drafted in the first round of the 1974 college draft. Lawrence was chosen #19 overall.

September 16, 1974
Raiders open their fifteenth season in Buffalo on Monday Night Football with a 21-20 loss the Bills. This would be their only loss for ten weeks.

September 29, 1974
Raiders blank to Pittsburgh Steelers 17-0.

October 6, 1974
Clarence Davis runs for 116 yards in Cleveland and George Atkinson has three interceptions as the Raiders best the Browns 40-24.

October 13, 1974
Cliff Branch aids a 14-10 Raiders win over the Chargers with his 124 receiving yards.

October 27, 1974 Marv Hubbard rushes for 117 yards as the Raiders cross the bay and pound the San Francisco 49ers 35-24.

November 3, 1974
Marv Hubbard gains 107 yards on the ground and Cliff Branch contributes 108 receiving yards as Oakland defeats the Broncos on the road 28-17.

November 10, 1974
Cliff Branch delivers 102 receiving yards and Marv Hubbard picks up 111 rushing yards as the Raiders pound the Lions at home 35-13.

November 17, 1974
Cliff Branch has 125 receiving yards as the Raiders down San Diego at home 17-10.

November 24, 1974
121 receiving yards from Fred Biletnikoff isn’t enough to keep the Raiders from falling to the Broncos 20-17.

December 1, 1974
Cliff Brach runs through the New England Patriots secondary with 138 receiving yards as the Raiders bury their guests 41-26.

December 8, 1974
Charles Phillips has three interceptions as the Raiders beat Denver 17-10 on Monday Night Football.

December 21, 1974
Ken Stabler heaves a badly thrown pass as he is being dragged down to Clarence Davis in the final minute as the Raiders end Miami’s hope of a fourth consecutive AFC Championship and third straight Super Bowl title with a play known as “The Sea of Hands.”

December 29, 1974
Pittsburgh eliminates the Raiders 24-13 in the AFC Championship game to advance to Super Bowl IX.

1975

January 28, 1975
With the twenty-fourth pick in the 1975 college draft the Oakland Raiders select Ohio State defensive back Neil Colzie.

February 7, 1975
Al Davis named NFL Executive of the Year by the Long Island Athletic Club.

September 3, 1973
The last remaining original Raider Jim Otto retires after 210 consecutive games.

September 22, 1975
With help from a 101-yard kick off return by Harold Hart, the Raiders snap the Miami Dolphins record 31-game home win streak with a 31-21 victory.

September 28, 1975
In a 31-20 win in Baltimore, Cliff Branch leads the way for Oakland with 132 receiving yards.

October 5, 1975
Raiders shut out San Diego 6-0.

October 26, 1975
Raiders complete season sweep of the San Diego Chargers with their second shutout of the season 25-0.

November 16, 1975
Clarence Davis rushes for 120 yards in a 38-17 win over the Cleveland Browns at the Coliseum.

November 23, 1975
With help from Fred Biletnikoff’s 113 pass-catching yards, the Raiders win their first ever overtime game against the Washington Redskins 26-23.

November 30, 1975
Cliff Branch delivers 155 yards catching passes as the Raiders earn their eighth division title in the past nine seasons with their second overtime win in as many weeks, downing the Atlanta Falcons 37-34.

December 21, 1975
George Blanda becomes the first player in the history of pro football to reach the 2000-point plateau for his career.

December 28, 1975
Raiders defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 31-28 to earn a trip to the AFC Championship game.

1976

January 4, 1976
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Oakland Raiders 16-10 to win the AFC Championship and earn a trip to Super Bowl X.

March 30, 1976
Raiders lose Bob Moore, Louis Carter and Harold Hart in the expansion draft

April 8, 1976
The college draft is held. With their first pick dealt to the Green Bay Packers, the Oakland Raiders first selection comes in the second round (#34 overall) and is spent on Texas Southern defensive tackle Charles Philyaw.

September 12, 1976
Ken Stabler passes for 342 yards with Dave Casper responsible for 124 of them as the Raiders open the season and overcome a 14-point deficit with less than six minutes remaining to beat the two-time defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers 31-28.

October 3, 1976
Dave Casper picks up 136 yards receiving as the raiders lose for the only time in 1976 48-17 to the New England Patriots.

October 10, 1976
Cliff Branch runs up 167 receiving yards and Dave Casper adds 104 more, helping Ken Stabler to 339-yard afternoon in a 27-17 win over San Diego.

October 24, 1976
Cliff Branch pulls down 135 yards receiving as the Raiders defeat Green Bay 18-14.

October 31, 1976
Cliff Branch tallies 103 receiving yards as the Raiders roll to a 17-10 win in Denver.

November 7, 1976
Behind Cliff Branch’s 163 receiving yards Oakland beats Chicago 28-27.

November 21, 1976
Mark van Eeghan runs for 133 yards as the Raiders earn their ninth division title in 10 years with a 26-7 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

November 28, 1976
Cliff Branch has 110 receiving yards as the Raiders destroy the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers 49-16.

December 6, 1976
Dave Casper leads the way for Oakland with 112 receiving yards as the Raiders dominate Cincinnati in a game they were expected to throw.

December 12, 1976
By shutting out the San Diego Chargers 24-0 (the third time in two seasons) the raiders wrap up a 13-1 regular season record.

December 18, 1976
Raiders squeak by the New England Patriots 24-21 to earn an appearance in the AFC Championship game.

December 26, 1976
The Oakland Raiders earn their second trip to the Super Bowl with a dominating 24-7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1977

January 9, 1977
In front of 103,424 in attendance at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium and more than 130 million television viewers around the world, Clarence Davis rushes for 137 yards on 17 carries as the Raiders dominate the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 to earn their first world championship in Super Bowl XI. Fred Biletnikoff named MVP.

May 3, 1977
NFL draft is held, the Raiders first pick Mike Davis taken in the second round is selected with the #35 overall pick.

September 18, 1977
Raiders open their eighteenth season with a 24-0 shutout of the San Diego Chargers at The Coliseum.

October 3, 1977

Clarence Davis gains 102 rushing yards and 114 more from Mark van Eeghan helps Oakland to a 37-28 win over the Chiefs in Kansas City. Dave Casper also contributes 101 receiving yards in the victory.

October 9, 1977
Raiders defeat the Cleveland Browns 26-10 to earn seventeenth consecutive regular season victory.

October 23, 1977
Mark Van Eeghan runs for 143 yards in a 28-27 victory over the New York Jets in New York.

October 30, 1977
Raiders beat Denver 24-14 on the strength of Clarence Davis’ 105-yard rushing performance.

November 6, 1977
Clarence Davis runs for 100 yards in a 44-7 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

November 27, 1977
Mark van Eeghan picks up 143 rushing yards and Cliff Branch contributes 115 receiving yards as the Raiders trounce the Buffalo Bills 38-13 in Oakland.

December 11, 1977
Raiders earn their 10th playoff appearance in 11 seasons with a 35-13 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Oakland. Mark van Eeghan contributes 112 rushing yards.

December 24, 1977
Raiders win first road playoff game with a thrilling 37-31 overtime victory against the Baltimore Colts. Dave Casper scores three touchdowns, including the game tying score, a play known as "Ghost to the Post" in which he ran the wrong route and managed to get underneath a ball Ken Stabler was trowing away and the game winning score in the extra session.

1978

January 1, 1978
A blown call by the referee’s (a fumble by the Broncos Rob Lytle that was ruled a touchdown) aids Denver in defeating the Raiders 20-17 for the right to represent the American Conference in Super Bowl XII.

May 2, 1978
The Raiders use their first pick, fifty-fourth overall to select Dave Browning, a defensive end from Washington.

September 10, 1978
Morris Bradshaw has 107 receiving yards and Dave Casper scores two touchdown’s, including a fumble recovery in the end zone on a play known as “the Holy Roller” as Oakland wins their first game of the 1978 campaign 21-20 in San Diego. Ken Stabler also passes for 307 yards in the contest.

September 17, 1978
Mark van Eeghan runs for 151 yards as the Raiders best the Green Bay Packers 28-3 on the road.

November 5, 1978
Arthur Whittington runs for 134 yards and Dave Casper adds 112 receiving yards in Oakland’s 20-10 victory in Kansas City. The win is head coach John Madden’s one hundreth for his career.

1979

January 4, 1979
Head coach John Madden announces his retirement from coaching with a career record of 103-32-7 in the regular season and 112-39-7 overall.

February 8. 1979
Original Raiders quarterback and current wide receivers coach Tom Flores naed the Raiders seventh head coach.

May 3, 1979
Raiders select defensive end Willie Jones from Florida State with their first pick, forty-second overall in the 1979 NFL Draft.

July 28, 1979
Ron Mix a tackle who played for the Raiders in 1971 becomes the first Raider inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in Canton Ohio.

September 16, 1979
Ken Stabler passes for 343 yards and Cliff Branch picks up 156 receiving yards as the Raiders fall to the Seahawks in Seattle 27-10.

October 14, 1979
Raiders trounce the Atlanta Falcons 50-19 in Oakland.

October 21, 1979
Ken Stabler fires for 360 passing yards and Mark van Eeghan grabs 108 receiving yards in a 28-19 loss to the Jets in New York.

November 25, 1979
Booker Russell runs for 100 yards in a 14-10 win over the Broncos in Denver.

December 3, 1979
Cliff Branch hauls in 126 receiving yards in New Orleans as the raiders overcome a three-touchdown fourth quarter deficit to win 42-35 over the Saints on Monday Night Football.

December 16, 1979
Ken Stabler picks Seattle apart with 342 passing yards as Oakland falls at home 29-24.

April 29, 1980
The Oakland Raiders use their first round selection (#15 overall) to acquire Marc Wilson, a quarterback from BYU in the 1980 college draft.

August 2, 1980
Jim Otto becomes the second Oakland Raider to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

September 7, 1980
Dan Pastorini passes for 317 yards as the Raiders trounce Kansas City on the road to open the 1980 campaign 27-14.

September 14, 1980
Kenny King picks up 136 yards on the ground in a 30-24 overtime loss to San Diego.

October 12, 1980
Kenny King runs for 138 yards against San Diego in a 38-24 win.

October 20, 1980
Cliff Branch runs up 123 yards receiving in Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football. Raiders win 45-34

November 23, 1980
Cliff Branch contributes 125 receiving yards in Philadelphia as the Raiders fall 10-7 to the Eagles.

December 21, 1980
Mark van Eeghan gains 115 yards rushing on the road against the New York Giants. Oakland wins 33-17

December 28, 1980
Raiders destroy Houston 27-7 in AFC Wildcard game. Oakland records seven sacks and Lester Hayes returns an interception for a touchdown.

1981

January 4, 1981
Raiders escape sub-zero weather in Cleveland to advance to the AFC Championship game in San Diego with a 14-12 win over the Browns.

January 11, 1981
Oakland Raiders win the American Football Conference Championship with a 34-27 win over San Diego.

January 25, 1981
With a dominating 27-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Oakland Raiders win their second world championship at the New Orleans Superdome. Rod Martin sets a record with three interceptions. Jim Plunkett’s improvisation leads to a record 80-yard touchdown reception. Jim Plunkett named MVP of Super Bowl XV.

April 28, 1981
College draft is held. Defensive back Ted Watts #21 overall and tackle Curt Marsh, #23 overall taken in the first round.

August 1, 1981
Raiders quarterback and kicker George Blanda inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio.

November 1, 1981
Kenny King runs for 102 yards as Oakland beats the Patriots 27-17.

November 21, 1981
Derrick Ramsey tallies 122 receiving yards as the Raiders fall 55-21.

December 7, 1981
The Raiders defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-27 on Monday Night Football. Kenny King runs for 102 yards.

December 13, 1981
Raiders play their last game in Oakland, losing 23-6 to the Chicago Bears.

1982

April 27, 1982
The Raiders select Marcus Allen #10 overall in the 1982 college draft.

May 7, 1982
US Federal Court rules for the Raiders in an anti-trust suit in a case allowing the Raiders to become a Los Angeles team officially.

August 29, 1982
Raiders play their first preseason home game in Los Angeles downing the Green Bay Packers 24-3.

September 19, 1982
Cliff Branch contributes 138 receiving yards as Los Angeles hammers the Atlanta Falcons on the road 38-14.

November 22, 1982
After a 57-day player strike is settled, the Los Angeles Raiders play their first home game.

November 28, 1982
Jim Plunkett throws for 322 yards as the Raiders fall in Cincinnati 31-17.

December 5, 1982
Marcus Allen runs for 156 yards as the Los Angeles Raiders defeat the Seattle Seahawks 28-23.

December 12, 1982
Raiders defeat Kansas City in the final seconds to earn their 200th league victory. Cliff Branch has 111 receiving yards in the 21-16 victory and Jim Plunkett passes for 303 yards.

December 18, 1982
The Raiders/Rams clash at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is the first $1,000,000 gate in NFL history. Raiders win 37-31.