Nominees for Hall Spotlight Past Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders

The Pro Football Hall of Fame stands as the ultimate honor for NFL players, coaches, and contributors—and for the Las Vegas Raiders, a franchise steeped in decades of football history, it’s a space that already includes legends like John Madden, Marcus Allen, and Ken Stabler. This year, as the Hall of Fame selection committee reviews its list of nominees, several more former Raiders stand out as candidates worthy of induction—players whose careers defined eras of Raiders football, from the Oakland glory days to the early Las Vegas years. These nominees aren’t just statistics on a page; they’re names that evoke memories of Super Bowl victories, game-winning drives, and defensive dominance. Nominees for Hall Spotlight Past Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders shines a light on these former stars, their unparalleled contributions to the franchise, and why they deserve a place among the NFL’s all-time greats.

Nominees for Hall Spotlight Past Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders begins with quarterback Jim Plunkett, a two-time Super Bowl champion whose underdog story and clutch performances make him one of the most beloved figures in Raiders history. Plunkett, who joined the Raiders in 1978 after struggling with the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers, wasn’t expected to become a starter—let alone a franchise icon. But when injuries sidelined starter Dan Pastorini in 1980, Plunkett stepped in and led the Raiders to their second Super Bowl title, earning Super Bowl XV MVP honors with 261 passing yards and three touchdowns. He repeated the feat in 1983, leading the Raiders to another Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XVIII) and cementing his status as one of the best playoff quarterbacks of his era. Over his 10 seasons with the Raiders, Plunkett threw for 15,822 yards and 92 touchdowns, but his legacy goes beyond numbers: he was a leader who thrived under pressure, turning doubt into dominance. “Jim Plunkett is the definition of a Raider,” said Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen, who played with Plunkett. “He came in when no one expected much, and he delivered championships. That’s the kind of player who belongs in the Hall of Fame.” Despite his success, Plunkett has been overlooked in past Hall votes, but this year’s nomination has reignited conversations about his rightful place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

Another standout nominee is defensive end Howie Long, a 13-year Raider whose combination of strength, speed, and intensity made him one of the most feared pass rushers of the 1980s and early 1990s. Long, who was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft, spent his entire career with the franchise, recording 84 sacks (unofficial, as sacks weren’t an official stat until 1982), six Pro Bowl selections, and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 1985. What set Long apart wasn’t just his ability to sack quarterbacks—though he did that with regularity—it was his versatility: he could stop the run with equal ferocity, often drawing double-teams that freed up his teammates to make plays. Long was also a leader in the locker room, known for his work ethic and his ability to motivate those around him. “Howie Long didn’t just play defense—he dominated it,” said former Raiders coach Art Shell. “Every time he stepped on the field, opponents knew they were in for a fight. He was the heart of our defense for over a decade.” Long’s off-field impact has also endured: he’s become a respected NFL analyst, but his on-field legacy with the Raiders is what makes him a Hall of Fame lock. This year’s nomination is seen by many as a formality, as Long’s career checks every box for induction.

A critical part of Nominees for Hall Spotlight Past Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders is wide receiver Cliff Branch, a three-time Super Bowl champion whose speed and playmaking ability helped define the Raiders’ high-powered offense of the 1970s and 1980s—and whose contributions continue to resonate with the Las Vegas Raiders’ fanbase today. Branch, who played for the Raiders from 1972 to 1985, was one of the first “deep threats” in NFL history, using his 4.3-second 40-yard dash speed to stretch defenses and create opportunities for his teammates. Over his career, he caught 501 passes for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns, earning four Pro Bowl selections and a spot on the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team. What made Branch special was his ability to perform in big games: he caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XI and had a key 67-yard reception in Super Bowl XV that set up the Raiders’ first score. “Cliff Branch was ahead of his time,” said former Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (a Hall of Famer himself). “He could outrun any cornerback in the league, and he made big plays when we needed them most. He’s one of the greatest receivers to ever wear a Raiders uniform.” Branch, who passed away in 2019, has been a finalist for the Hall of Fame in recent years, and this year’s nomination has sparked a groundswell of support from Raiders fans—who see his induction as a way to honor a player who gave so much to the franchise. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Branch’s potential induction would also be a nod to the team’s rich history, connecting the franchise’s past to its current chapter in Nevada.

Another nominee deserving of recognition is offensive lineman Gene Upshaw, a 15-year Raider who revolutionized the guard position and became one of the most respected players in NFL history—leaving a legacy that still influences the Las Vegas Raiders’ approach to building their offensive line today. Upshaw, who was drafted by the Raiders in the first round of the 1967 NFL Draft, spent his entire career with the franchise, playing in 217 games (a Raiders record at the time) and winning two Super Bowls. He was named to seven Pro Bowls, selected to five First-Team All-Pro teams, and was inducted into the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team. What made Upshaw unique was his combination of size (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) and athleticism—he could block elite pass rushers one-on-one and pull on run plays to clear paths for running backs like Allen. Off the field, Upshaw became a leader in the NFL Players Association, fighting for better salaries and benefits for his fellow players. “Gene Upshaw was the best offensive lineman I ever played with,” said Allen. “He made our job easy—whether you were a quarterback or a running back, you knew Gene had your back. He set the standard for what a guard should be.” Upshaw’s nomination this year is a reminder of the Raiders’ tradition of excellence on the offensive line—a tradition the current team is working to uphold. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Upshaw’s induction would honor not just a great player, but a trailblazer who left his mark on both the franchise and the NFL as a whole.

Wrapping up Nominees for Hall Spotlight Past Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders is the collective impact of these nominees—and how their legacies continue to shape the Las Vegas Raiders’ identity today. Plunkett, Long, Branch, and Upshaw aren’t just former players; they’re symbols of what it means to be a Raider: resilience, dominance, and loyalty. Their careers were defined by winning—whether it was Super Bowl titles, Pro Bowl selections, or record-breaking performances—but also by their commitment to the franchise. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this year’s Hall of Fame nominees are a chance to celebrate the team’s history, even as it builds for the future. “These players helped make the Raiders one of the most iconic franchises in sports,” said current Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce. “Every time our current players step on the field, they’re carrying on the legacy that Jim, Howie, Cliff, and Gene built. Seeing them inducted into the Hall of Fame would be a win for our entire organization—players, coaches, and fans.” As the Hall of Fame selection committee prepares to vote, Raiders fans around the world are watching closely, hoping to see more of their beloved past stars enshrined in Canton. Nominees for Hall Spotlight Past Stars of the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately shows that the Raiders’ greatness isn’t just in its present—it’s in its past, and these nominees are a testament to the franchise’s enduring legacy of excellence.