Los Angeles Raiders Team History

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The Los Angeles Raiders History is a key chapter in the franchise’s journey. The team spent 13 seasons in Los Angeles, highlighted by fierce rivalries and playoff appearances. Memorable years, including the Los Angeles Raiders 1994 campaign, remain important to fans as part of the silver and black tradition that shaped the Raiders’ identity.Los Angeles RaidersRaiders Primary LogoRaiders Wordmark Logo

Established 1960

City Oakland - Los Angeles - Oakland - Las Vegas

League History 1970 - Present / National Football League 1960 - 1969 / American Football League

Team History 2020 - Present / Las Vegas Raiders 1995 - 2019 / Oakland Raiders 1982 - 1994 / Los Angeles Raiders 1960 - 1981 / Oakland Raiders

Nickname Raiders - The Los Angeles Raiders have been a beloved professional football team since 1982. The team has had a long and storied history, including three Super Bowl victories, but many fans may not know the origin of their nickname.

The Raider's name was first used in 1960 when they were based in Oakland, California, and owned by F. Wayne Valley. He wanted to give his team an edge, so he chose the word “Raiders” as it suggested an aggressive play on the field—a style that would become synonymous with this franchise for decades!

Valley also liked how “Raiders” could be associated with pirates or buccaneers, two groups who often raided ships for treasure or goods back in those days (hence why you can still see pirate symbols around Raider Nation today).

Los Angeles Raiders Origin

When Al Davis took over ownership of the club from Valley in 1972, he kept its original name and logo intact as part of his commitment to honor tradition while taking them into new territory – literally!

In 1982 they moved from Oakland to Los Angeles, becoming known as the LA Raiders until 1995, when they returned home again after 13 years away from northern California soil.

Today, even though there are no longer any physical locations tied directly with either city (the current stadium being located outside Las Vegas), The Raider nation remains strong regardless due, largely thanks to its unique nickname, which continues to evoke images of swashbuckling adventure whenever it is heard!

Championship Super Bowl 1 1984, 1981, 1977 AFL Championships 0 1967

Stadium 2020 - Present / Las Vegas Stadium

*Oakland* 2016 - 2019 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum 2012 - 2015 / O.co Coliseum 2011 / Overstock.com Coliseum 2008 - 2011 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum 2004 - 2008 / McAfee Coliseum 1995 - 2004 / Network Associates Coliseum

*Los Angeles* 1982 - 1994 / Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

*Oakland* 1966 - 1998 / Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum 1962 - 1965 / Frank Youell Field

*San Francisco* 1961 / Candlestick Park 1960 / Kezar Stadium and Candlestick Park

Owner 2011 - Present / Mark and Carol Davis 1983 - 2011 / Al Davis 1976 - 1983 / Al Davis and Ed McGah 1966 - 1976 / F. Wayne Valley, Ed McGah and Al Davis 1961 - 1966 / F. Wayne Valley and Ed McGah 1960 / Y. Charles (Chet) Soda

  • 1982
  • 1983
  • Los Angeles Raiders 1982

    Move to Los Angeles – Raiders

    Prior to the 1980 season, Al Davis attempted unsuccessfully to have improvements made to the Oakland Coliseum, specifically the addition of luxury boxes. That year, he signed a Memorandum of Agreement to move the Raiders from Oakland to Los Angeles. The move, which required three-fourths approval by league owners, was defeated 22-0 with five owners abstaining. When Davis tried to ... Read More See Full Story
  • Super Bowl XVIII - 1983 Los Angeles Raiders

    Super Bowl XVIII Winner 1983

    Super Bowl XVIII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Washington Redskins and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Los Angeles Raiders to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1983 season. The Raiders defeated the Redskins by the score of 38–9. The Raiders’ 38 points and their 29-point margin of victory broke ... Read More See Full Story

Who is the greatest Los Angeles Raiders?

  • Lyle Alzado*
  • Mike Haynes
  • Tim Brown
  • Marcus Allen
  • Todd Christensen*
  • Jim Plunkett
  • Lester Hayes
  • Bo Jackson
  • Howie Long
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player. * verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

Los Angeles Raiders History

The Los Angeles Raiders History is one of the most iconic chapters in professional football. Originally moving from Oakland in 1982, the Raiders built a new identity in Los Angeles. Their fierce style of play, bold image, and commitment to excellence made them one of the NFL’s most feared franchises during this era.

When discussing great players in the Los Angeles Raiders History, few names stand out more than Marcus Allen. The Hall of Famer played 11 memorable seasons, bringing fans unforgettable runs and clutch playoff moments. His MVP performance in Super Bowl XVIII highlighted the team’s dominance, cementing his role as a central figure in Raiders lore.

The Los Angeles Raiders History also features legendary talents like Howie Long, Bo Jackson, Tim Brown, Rich Gannon, and Jerry Rice. Each of these stars contributed to the silver and black legacy, leaving their mark on games and seasons that fans still remember today. Notably, the Los Angeles Raiders 1994 campaign reflected the final years of the team’s time in California before shifting direction once more.

Los Angeles Raiders Achievements

The team’s move to Los Angeles brought challenges but also success. Despite skepticism from Oakland fans, the franchise thrived in Southern California. The Los Angeles Raiders History includes division titles, playoff runs, and consistent competitiveness in the AFC West. Though the Raiders later returned to Oakland and eventually settled in Las Vegas, the Los Angeles era remains a defining part of their journey.

Even today, the Los Angeles Raiders History is celebrated by fans as a period of toughness and resilience. The silver and black culture grew stronger, fueled by unforgettable games and iconic players. While the franchise has moved cities, the Los Angeles years remain a proud chapter in Raider Nation’s story.

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*Blue is this team’s history

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