Las Vegas Raiders History – The Most Memorable Moments!

For the last several decades, the fans of the Raider have been enjoying the games, the legendary players, and numerous other stories. The Raiders have had epic moments in its history, from the start of the franchise to Las Vegas. 

Here are 10 of the best moments any true fan ought to know in Las Vegas Raiders history.

How the Raiders Set the Stage for Their Historic Legacy?

The history of Raiders began when the team initially participated in the AFL getting its start in 1960.  Coach Al Davis and owner helped shape boldness into a fearless franchise. His most popular phrase, “Just Win, Baby!” became the motto of the team.

• Highlight Moment: The Raiders finished the season 13-1 in 1967, reaching their first Super Bowl. The team lost to the Green Bay Packers, but it was the beginning of the ride to greatness in Raiders history.

10 Unforgettable Moments in Las Vegas Raiders History!

Read 10 most incredible moments in Las Vegas Raiders history that shaped the team and enticed enthusiasts.

1. Rivalry with the Kansas City Chiefs

One game that is considered to be one of the most intense throughout the history of the NFL by the Raiders’ fans against the raiders biggest rival , the Kansas City Chiefs, has existed since 1960. Both teams have fought every game for decades, and the results are always interesting.

• Fun Fact: The Raiders and Chiefs have played over 120 games, so this rivalry is a huge part of Raiders history.

2. The “Sea of Hands” Catch

The most popular play in the football Raiders history, the “Sea of Hands” maneuver was performed in 1974, where Stabler threw a ball to Clarence Davis who caught it in the middle surrounded by the hand symbolizing a sea of hands.

• Why It Matters: The game summary was a perfect example of the Raider determination and will to win in even such events as lifts.

3. Winning Super Bowl XI

In 1977, the Raiders appeared at the Super Bowl XI. During that game, the Minneapolis Vikings were the opponent that was dominated, which in return won 32-14.  This was their first Super Bowl victory and a major highlight in Raiders the story of the greatest moments.

• Why It Matters: This game showed the world the strength and skill of the Raiders under legendary coach John Madden.

4. Ghost To The Post

This was one of the great moments in history of the Raiders, and it happened in 1977 during the AFC divisional playoff with the Colts. Coach Tom Flores called “the ghost to the post” for tight-end Dave Casper, who went on a deep post route. 

Quarterback Kenny Stabler threw a perfect pass that Casper tracked over his head and caught to set up a 29-yard field goal to tie. That was an unforgettable performance and brought the game into overtime. The victory thus contributed to making it memorable in the NFL, with a result of 37-31.

5. The “Holy Roller” Play

The game where the Raiders faced their major rival, the San Diego Chargers, in 1978 ended with the “Holy Roller” play. Quarterback Ken Stabler fumble forward and ran over the ball for a touchdown himself, as Dave Casper recovered it in the end zone.

• Why It’s Famous: This unforgettable moment in football Raiders history brought about a rule change and shows the team’s creative method of winning.

6. Marcus Allen’s Incredible Run

On the list of best of Raiders plays ever made during the Super Bowl XVIII in 1984, Marcus Allen scored the winning touchdown for his team when he broke a 74-yard run through the Washington Redskins defense.

Impact: today, it is still  celebrated as one of the most memorable in Las Vegas Raiders history.

7. The Helmet Catch 

In Super Bowl XLII and the Giants leading 14-10, Eli Manning threw a deep pass to David Tyree. Tyree made an amazing catch of a 32-yard pass, and amazingly clutched the ball to his helmet while being closely defended.

This catch led to the game-winning touchdown and deprived the Patriots of a perfect season. It became one of the most famous moments in all football Raiders history and history of the Raiders.

8. The Beast Quake

One of the best plays in football Raiders history came in the 2011 NFC Wild Card Playoff: Marshawn Lynch broke nine tackles for a 67-yard touchdown when the Seahawks were up 34-30 with 3:22 left. 

People still remember his weighted yet high-stiff arm to get by Tracy Porter. The actual sound from the stands at CenturyLink Field was so loud it registered on a seismograph, making the event known as “Beast Quake.” One of the greatest surprises ever recorded in NFL history, on par with the best of Raiders history.

9. The Minneapolis Miracle

The Minneapolis Miracle (2018) is one event that defines one of the great moments in history. The Minnesota Vikings were trailing 24-23 against time as they had no timeouts remaining. Quarterback Case Keenum threw a pass to Stefon Diggs, who caught it with a jump.

Marcus Williams, the safety of the Saints, missed the tackle. Diggs then went on a run of 61 yards into the end zone as time expired. Another one of the most dramatic plays that earned Minnesota a 29-24 score and punched that team to the NFC Championship is the one that can rival with that Raiders the story of the greatest.

10. First Win at Allegiant Stadium

The Raiders relocated to Las Vegas in 2020 and began the task of writing early Las Vegas Raiders history. Their new home Allegiant Stadium, also popularly known as the “Death Star,” magnified the unmarred bright future ahead for this group.

Some of the Memorable Firsts:

• The first-ever home win was a victory at Las Vegas over the New Orleans Saints.
• The stadium is also recorded as one of the finest in the NFL.

Raiders Legends: The Greatest Players in NFL History!

This was a splendiferous collection of some of the greatest NFL athletes:

• Ken Stabler: “The Snake” was the moniker for the quarterback. 
• Bo Jackson: A phenomenal speed-puller who exerted formidable dexterity with an exceptional muscular agility. 
• Fred Biletnikoff: Receiver with the most mesmerizing hands. 
• Howie Long: Amazing defensive lineman, Hall of Famer. 
• Tim Brown: Solid Receiver An all-time Greatest Raider. 
• Lyle Alzado: Intense pass rush, noun-phrase on-course defensive powerhouse. 
• Jack Tatum: Hard-hitting safety; feared NFL legend.