History of the Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in Las Vegas, Nevada. They compete in the American Football Conference (AFC) West division of the National Football League (NFL). The Raiders are one of the most popular and successful teams in NFL history, having won three Super Bowls.
Early years
The Raiders were founded in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). The team’s early years were marked by success, with the Raiders winning the AFL Championship in 1967 and 1968.
The Madden era
In 1969, the Raiders hired John Madden as head coach. Madden quickly turned the Raiders into a dynasty, leading the team to three Super Bowl championships in a span of eight years.
John Madden, head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders
The Stabler era
Ken Stabler was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 1970 NFL Draft. Stabler quickly became the Raiders’ starting quarterback and led the team to two Super Bowl championships in a span of three years.
The Al Davis era
Al Davis bought the Raiders in 1976 and became the team’s owner and general manager. Davis was a controversial figure, but he was also a successful one, leading the Raiders to two more Super Bowl championships in the 1980s.
Al Davis, owner and general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders
The Gruden era
Jon Gruden was hired as the Raiders’ head coach in 1998. Gruden led the Raiders to a Super Bowl championship in 2003, but he was fired after the 2008 season.
The Carr era
Derek Carr was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Carr has been the Raiders’ starting quarterback since 2014.
Super Bowl wins
The Raiders have won three Super Bowls, more than any other AFL team.
- Super Bowl XI: Oakland Raiders 32, Minnesota Vikings 14 (1977)
- Super Bowl XV: Oakland Raiders 27, Philadelphia Eagles 10 (1981)
- Super Bowl XVIII: Los Angeles Raiders 38, Washington Redskins 9 (1984)
Super Bowl MVP awards
Fred Biletnikoff won the Super Bowl MVP award twice, more than any other player in Raiders history.
- Super Bowl XI: Fred Biletnikoff
- Super Bowl XV: Fred Biletnikoff
The Raiders are one of the most popular and successful teams in NFL history. They have won three Super Bowls, more than any other AFL team. The team is led by Derek Carr, one of the most promising quarterbacks in the NFL. The Raiders are sure to continue to be a contender for years to come.
