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About Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins and More

The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional football team that plays in the American Football Conference (AFC) of the National Football League (NFL). They have won three Super Bowl championships and one American Football League (AFL) championship (1967). The 'The Raider Nation', as they are lovingly known by their names, are viewed by many as the “villains” of the NFL because of their historic tendency for rough play.

The fans call themselves the 'Black Hole', and their iconic 'Raiii-derrs' chant can be heard reverberating at the Allegiant Stadium along with the poem The  Autumn Wind while the fans do the Shield Salute in solidarity with their players. The Raiders' uniform is predominantly black and silver, and hence are also known as the Men In Black and Silver. Their official mascot is Raider Rusher, a pirate-themed character, and the team's logo is inspired by a pirate wearing a football helmet.

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Overview of the Las Vegas Raiders

Founded1960 (as a charter member of the AFL)
Owner(s)Mark Davis
Team PresidentSandra Douglass Morgan
General ManagerTom Telesco (appointed in 2024)
Head CoachAntonio Pierce (promoted full-time in 2024)
StadiumAllegiant Stadium
LocationParadise, Nevada (Las Vegas metropolitan area)
Super Bowl Appearances5 (II – 1967 season, XI – 1976 season, XV – 1980 season, XVIII – 1983 season, XXXVII – 2002 season)
Super Bowl Championships3 (XI – 1976, XV – 1980, XVIII – 1983)
Conference Championships4 (1976, 1980, 1983, 2002)
Division Championships15 (as of 2024 season)
Playoff Appearances23 (as of 2024 season)
Best Regular Season Record13–1 (1976 season)
Notable ErasJohn Madden Era (1969–1978), Tom Flores Era (1979–1987), Jon Gruden Era (1998–2001, 2018–2021), Derek Carr Era (2014–2022)
Official Websitewww.raiders.com

Historical Background of the Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders were established in Oakland, California, in 1960 as one of the eight founding teams of the AFL. After three losing seasons, the franchise hired Al Davis in 1963 to serve as the team’s head coach and general manager. He quickly turned the team into a contender. After a three-month stint as AFL commissioner in 1966, Davis became a part-owner of the Raiders and began buying out (and, in some cases, forcing out) the other owners, ultimately gaining complete control of the team in 1976. Davis had been long dissatisfied about the conditions of the Raiders’ home stadium when, in 1980, he signed an agreement promising to relocate the franchise to Los Angeles.

The NFL blocked the move, but Davis won a landmark antitrust lawsuit against the league in 1982, and the Raiders immediately moved. Over the years, Davis became disenchanted with the quality of the stadium in Los Angeles. In 1995, he moved the franchise back to Oakland. The Raiders struggled in the years after their second move. After years of failed negotiations with the city of Oakland over potential stadium upgrades or building a new venue, the franchise relocated to Las Vegas in 2020. In their initial season in Las Vegas, the Raiders improved to an 8–8 record but missed the playoffs again.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

  • Founded in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL)
  • 3× Super Bowl Champions (Vince Lombardi Trophy)
  • 4× AFC Champions (Lamar Hunt Trophy)
  • 15× Division Championships (as of 2024 season)
  • 23 Playoff Appearances (as of 2024 season)
  • Best Regular Season Record: 13–1 in 1976
  • First wild card team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl (1980 season)
  • Iconic players: Ken Stabler, Marcus Allen, Howie Long, Tim Brown, Fred Biletnikoff, Gene Upshaw, Art Shell, Charles Woodson, Bo Jackson
  • Opened Allegiant Stadium in 2020 in Paradise, Nevada
  • First NFL team to hire a Black head coach (Art Shell, 1989)
  • First team to hire a female CEO (Amy Trask, 1997)
  • Inducted multiple Hall of Famers into Canton
  • One of the most recognized brands in professional sports, with a global fan base.
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Imago

Las Vegas Raiders Notable Players

The Raiders boast more than a dozen Hall of Famers and more than 50 notable players. Some of them are:

  • Legends:

    • Ken Stabler (QB)

    • Marcus Allen (RB)

    • Howie Long (DE)

    • Tim Brown (WR)

    • Charles Woodson (DB)

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USA Today via Reuters

  • Current Stars (2025):

    • Maxx Crosby (DE)

    • Aidan O’Connell (QB) (Potential starter)

    • Robert Spillane (Linebacker)
    • Devin White ( Linebacker)

Major Rivalries of the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have had a long and storied history in the NFL, which now spans three cities, two states, and over six decades. They have faced off against many teams over those years, but some matchups stand out more than others.

Kansas City Chiefs

The rivalry between the Chiefs and Raiders is considered to be one of the NFL's most bitter rivalries. Since the American Football League (AFL) was established in 1960, the Chiefs and Raiders have shared the same division, first being the AFL Western Conference, and since the AFL–NFL merger in 1970, the AFC West. There were the Marty Schottenheimer years, where the Chiefs dominated the Raiders, and the feud erupted between Al Davis and running back Marcus Allen, and now things are starting to boil again. Perhaps a few wins by Las Vegas this season will get things back to where they were.

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Imago

Denver Broncos

The Raiders-Broncos  rivalry dates back to the 1970s, and the two franchises have been fighting it out like no other for over 50 years, often with division titles up for grabs. Since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, the Raiders have won 13 division titles to the Broncos’ 15. The Raiders have gone to five Super Bowls, winning three, while the Denver Broncos have gone to seven and won three. The Raiders are 68-53-2 all-time vs. the Broncos and 1-1 in the playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers

This rivalry has been marked by explosive offenses, wild finishes, and playoff implications. The Raiders and Chargers, both founding members of the AFL, have long contested division bragging rights, and their matchups often decide postseason fates. With both teams formerly calling Los Angeles home, their rivalry also carries historical and geographical tension, despite the Raiders' move to Las Vegas.

Pittsburgh Steelers

This inter-conference rivalry emerged from brutal playoff showdowns in the 1970s. The "Immaculate Reception" in 1972 remains one of the most debated and iconic moments in NFL history, igniting a fierce postseason feud. Though they don’t meet regularly, every Raiders-Steelers game recalls a golden era of physical football. The legacy of their postseason wars continues to stir emotions for both fan bases.

Major Contracts of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025

As the Raiders look to climb back into playoff contention, they've strategically built around core stars, young talent, and smart veteran additions. Here’s a look at the most significant contracts heading into the 2025 season:
  1. Geno Smith (QB) – Signed a two-year, $50 million deal in 2024 to bring veteran leadership and stability under center. Smith is entering the final year of his deal with a $28 million cap hit.
  2. Maxx Crosby (DE) – One of the top edge rushers in the league, Crosby is on a four-year, $95 million extension signed in 2022. He remains the cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense.
  3. Christian Wilkins (DT) – Acquired in 2024 free agency, Wilkins is in year two of a four-year, $85 million contract. A disruptive interior lineman with elite pass-rushing skills.
  4. Kolton Miller (LT) – Anchoring the offensive line, Miller is on a three-year, $54 million extension signed in 2023. He’s one of the NFL’s more reliable blindside protectors.
  5. Jakobi Meyers (WR) – Signed a three-year, $33 million deal in 2023. A consistent possession receiver and reliable route runner.
  6. Malcolm Koonce (DE) – Playing on the final year of his rookie contract, Koonce emerged as a breakout pass rusher in 2024. Extension talks are expected if his production continues.
  7. Tyree Wilson (DE) – Still on his rookie deal (four years, $25.2 million). The 2023 first-round pick is developing into a disruptive force opposite Crosby.
  8. Jeremy Chinn (S) – Signed in 2024 on a two-year, $12 million deal. Brings versatility to the secondary and a hybrid linebacker-safety skillset.
  9. Daniel Carlson (K) – One of the league’s most accurate kickers, Carlson is signed through 2026 on a four-year, $18.4 million deal.
  10. Alex Cappa (G) – Brought in via free agency in 2025 on a three-year, $30 million contract. A veteran guard to bolster the interior protection.
  11. Brock Bowers (TE) – The dynamic 2024 first-round pick is on a four-year, $20.1 million rookie contract. Expected to be a key part of the Raiders' passing game.
  12. Dylan Parham (G) – In year three of his rookie deal (four years, $5.6 million). A starter with upside and solid growth since being drafted in 2022.
  13. Adam Butler (DT) – Re-signed in 2025 on a one-year, $4.5 million deal to add depth and experience along the defensive line.
  14. A.J. Cole (P) – One of the NFL’s top punters, signed a four-year, $12.4 million extension through 2026. Known for field-position flipping leg strength.
  15. Isaiah Pola-Mao (S) – Entering the final year of his rookie deal. Serves as a rotational defensive back and core special-teams contributor.
  16. Eric Stokes (CB) – Acquired in 2025, playing on his rookie deal (four years, $12.1 million). Adds speed and ball skills to the cornerback group.
  17. Elandon Roberts (ILB) – Signed a two-year, $9 million deal in 2025. A thumper in the middle with leadership and run-stopping ability.
  18. Michael Mayer (TE) – In year two of his rookie deal (four years, $9.8 million). A complete tight end is still carving out a bigger offensive role alongside Bowers.
  19. Jackson Powers-Johnson (C) – The 2024 second-round pick is on a four-year, $8.6 million rookie deal. Projected to be a long-term anchor at center.
  20. Lonnie Johnson (S) – Signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract in 2025. Provides versatility and depth across the secondary.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

Offense

  • Quarterback: Gardner Minshew
  • Running Back: Zamir White
  • Wide Receiver 1: Davante Adams
  • Wide Receiver 2: Jakobi Meyers
  • Slot Receiver: Tre Tucker
  • Tight End: Michael Mayer
  • Left Tackle: Kolton Miller
  • Left Guard: Dylan Parham
  • Center: Andre James
  • Right Guard: Cody Whitehair
  • Right Tackle: Thayer Munford Jr.

Defense

  • Left Defensive End: Maxx Crosby
  • Defensive Tackle 1: Christian Wilkins
  • Defensive Tackle 2: Byron Young
  • Right Defensive End: Malcolm Koonce
  • Outside Linebacker (SAM): Divine Deablo
  • Middle Linebacker (MIKE): Robert Spillane
  • Weakside Linebacker (WILL): Luke Masterson
  • Cornerback 1: Nate Hobbs
  • Cornerback 2: Jakorian Bennett
  • Free Safety: Tre’von Moehrig
  • Strong Safety: Marcus Epps

Special Teams

  • Kicker: Daniel Carlson
  • Punter: AJ Cole
  • Long Snapper: Jacob Bobenmoyer
  • Kick Returner: Ameer Abdullah
  • Punt Returner: Tre Tucker

The Schedule of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025

The full NFL schedule drops in May 2025, but we already know who the Raiders will face and where, thanks to the NFL’s rotating division format and Las Vegas’ 2024 finish. Here's a look at their 2025 opponents:

Home Games (at Allegiant Stadium)

  • Denver Broncos
  • Kansas City Chiefs
  • Los Angeles Chargers
  • Cleveland Browns
  • Pittsburgh Steelers
  • New England Patriots
  • Indianapolis Colts
  • Green Bay Packers
  • Carolina Panthers

Away Games

  • Denver Broncos
  • Kansas City Chiefs
  • Los Angeles Chargers
  • Baltimore Ravens
  • Cincinnati Bengals
  • Miami Dolphins
  • Jacksonville Jaguars
  • New Orleans Saints