Nominations Buzz Around Past of the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders continue to build their modern legacy, a growing buzz surrounds nominations and recognition for the franchise’s iconic past—honoring legendary players, coaches, and contributors who shaped the Raiders’ identity as a tough, innovative, and championship-caliber organization. From Pro Football Hall of Fame eligibility debates to the team’s own Ring of Honor considerations, the Raiders’ rich history (spanning Oakland, Los Angeles, and now Las Vegas) is in the spotlight, with fans, analysts, and former players advocating for long-overdue recognition of key figures. This buzz isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about connecting the franchise’s storied past to its current era, reminding new fans of the traditions that make the Raiders unique. Nominations Buzz Around Past of the Las Vegas Raiders examines the most prominent figures generating nomination talk, the case for their recognition, and how honoring these legends strengthens the Raiders’ bond with their fanbase.

Nominations Buzz Around Past of the Las Vegas Raiders first focuses on wide receiver Tim Brown, a Raiders icon whose Hall of Fame eligibility has reignited debate in recent years—but whose legacy is also being pushed for greater recognition within the franchise. Brown, who played 16 seasons with the Raiders (1988–2003), ranks among the NFL’s all-time leaders in receptions (1,094), receiving yards (14,934), and touchdown catches (99), and was a key part of the Raiders’ 2002 Super Bowl XXXVII team. While he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, fans and former teammates are now advocating for the Raiders to retire his No. 81 jersey—a honor currently held by only a handful of Raiders greats, including Jim Otto and Gene Upshaw. The push gained momentum in 2026 when current Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, who wears No. 17, publicly stated, “Tim Brown is the standard for Raiders wide receivers. Retiring his number would be a way to honor the best to ever do it here, and set an example for guys like me.” Brown himself has expressed humility about the idea but acknowledged its significance: “The Raiders fans mean everything to me. If they want to see No. 81 up in the rafters, that’s an honor I’d share with every teammate I played with.” The buzz around Brown’s jersey retirement has also sparked conversations about updating the Raiders’ Ring of Honor, which currently includes 32 members, to ensure modern fans recognize his impact.

Nominations Buzz Around Past of the Las Vegas Raiders next delves into the case for coach Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach whose contributions to the Raiders (and the NFL) have long been underappreciated—but who is now gaining traction for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. Flores, who coached the Raiders from 1979–1987 (winning Super Bowls XV and XVIII), made history as the first Latino head coach to win a Super Bowl, and later became the first minority head coach to win two Super Bowls. Beyond his championships, Flores was an innovator, pioneering the use of zone blitzes on defense and developing a pass-heavy offense that suited quarterbacks like Jim Plunkett and Marc Wilson. Yet despite these credentials, he has never been inducted into the Hall of Fame—a snub that former players, including Plunkett, have publicly criticized. “Tom Flores built this team into a dynasty,” Plunkett said in a 2026 interview. “He knew how to get the best out of his players, and he changed the way the game was played. If winning two Super Bowls and breaking barriers isn’t enough for the Hall of Fame, what is?” The buzz around Flores has grown in recent years, with a grassroots campaign (#InductFlores) gaining support from NFL analysts and minority coaching advocates, who argue his induction would recognize not just his success, but his role in opening doors for future coaches of color. The Raiders have also thrown their support behind the effort, with team president Sandra Douglass Morgan stating, “Coach Flores is a Raider legend and an NFL pioneer. We’re proud to stand with those advocating for his Hall of Fame induction—he deserves it.”

Nominations Buzz Around Past of the Las Vegas Raiders also spotlights the late defensive end Howie Long, a Raiders great whose legacy is being celebrated with renewed nomination talk for both the Pro Football Hall of Fame (he was inducted in 2000) and a potential statue outside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Long, who played 13 seasons with the Raiders (1981–1993), was a fearsome pass rusher and a leader on the team’s defensive line, recording 84 sacks (unofficially, as sacks weren’t an official stat until 1982) and earning eight Pro Bowl selections. Beyond his on-field success, Long embodied the Raiders’ “tough, smart, aggressive” ethos, and has remained a beloved figure in the franchise’s community, working as a broadcaster and Raiders ambassador after retirement. Fans have launched a petition to erect a statue of Long outside Allegiant Stadium, joining existing tributes to Raiders legends like Al Davis. The petition, which has garnered over 50,000 signatures, argues that Long’s “combination of skill, leadership, and loyalty to the Raiders” makes him worthy of the honor. For the Las Vegas Raiders, a Long statue would not only honor a franchise great but also help bridge the gap between the team’s past and present in its new home. “Howie Long is the face of Raiders defense for a generation of fans,” said Raiders historian Steve Corkran. “A statue would be a permanent reminder of what it means to be a Raider—tough, passionate, and committed to winning. It’s a fitting tribute to one of the best to ever wear the silver and black.”

Another layer of Nominations Buzz Around Past of the Las Vegas Raiders is the push to recognize the 1983 Raiders team—arguably one of the greatest in NFL history—with a special legacy nomination, such as induction into the NFL’s 100th Anniversary Team or a team-specific honor at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 1983 Raiders, coached by Tom Flores, went 12-4 in the regular season and dominated the playoffs, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Redskins (48-10) in Super Bowl XVIII. Led by quarterback Jim Plunkett, running back Marcus Allen, and a defense that included Howie Long and Lester Hayes, the team was known for its balance, toughness, and ability to win in hostile environments. Former players from the 1983 team, including Allen, have advocated for the team to be recognized as a “Team of the Decade” for the 1980s, noting that the Raiders were the only team to win two Super Bowls that decade. “That 1983 team was special—we had guys who played for each other, not for individual stats,” Allen said. “We represented the Raiders’ legacy perfectly, and it would be amazing to see that team honored alongside other NFL greats.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, recognizing the 1983 team would be a way to celebrate a championship era while inspiring the current roster to strive for similar success. The team has already hosted a 1983 reunion at Allegiant Stadium in 2026, drawing thousands of fans and generating media coverage that reignited buzz around the team’s legacy nomination.

Nominations Buzz Around Past of the Las Vegas Raiders closes with the broader impact of this nomination talk on the franchise’s identity and fanbase. Honoring past legends isn’t just about looking backward—it’s about reinforcing the Raiders’ core values (excellence, loyalty, innovation) for current players and new fans in Las Vegas. The buzz has also created opportunities for the Raiders to engage with their community, hosting legacy nights, fan polls, and youth football clinics featuring former players, which strengthen the team’s connection to its fanbase. For the Las Vegas Raiders, these nominations are a reminder that the franchise’s success isn’t just measured by current wins, but by the legends who built its reputation. As general manager Dave Ziegler noted, “Our past is our foundation. When we honor guys like Tim Brown, Tom Flores, and the 1983 team, we’re telling our current players, ‘This is the standard you’re playing for.’ It’s a way to keep the Raiders’ legacy alive, no matter where we play.” As the 2026 season progresses, the buzz around these nominations is only expected to grow—with fans and the franchise alike eager to ensure that the Raiders’ greatest legends get the recognition they deserve, both in the Hall of Fame and in the hearts of Raiders fans everywhere.