The Las Vegas Raiders, formerly based in Oakland and Los Angeles, haven't won a playoff game since the 2002 Super Bowl. Of course, pundits, historians, and league aficionados would forgive a younger generation of NFL fans for not knowing that the Raiders dominated the sport for nearly two decades. From 1967 to 1985, the Raiders featured some of the era's best talent and unique personalities (Kenny Stabler, Jim Plunkett, John Matusak, Gene Upshaw, and more), and many NFL diehards proclaimed themselves fans of the organization. Over the years, Raiders fans have earned a reputation for being some of the most loyal not just in the NFL, but in all of sports.
On Friday, one media outlet even went so far as to call Raiders fans the most hostile in sports. The widely used Twitter account for football fans, Big Game Boomer, released a list of the “Top 50 Most Hostile Fanbases in Sports” on Friday, which caused a stir. Taking the top spot was the Las Vegas Raiders, followed by the Tennessee Volunteers and the Philadelphia Eagles. Other NFL teams in the top 50 were the Cleveland Browns (5th), San Francisco 49ers (13th), Seattle Seahawks (19th), New York Jets (23rd), Pittsburgh Steelers (27th), Baltimore Ravens (29th), Cincinnati Bengals (35th), Dallas Cowboys (39th), Chicago Bears (41st) and Denver Broncos (46th).
Las Vegas Raiders: The Most Hostile Fanbase in Sports
Kansas City, Missouri, USA, December 25, 2023. Full view of the Las Vegas Raiders helmets before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley – USA Today Sports
Over the years, the Las Vegas Raiders fanbase has earned a reputation for being antagonistic. Known around the league as Raider Nation for their loyalty and passion, Raiders fans have earned a reputation for being hostile towards opposing fans during games, especially in Las Vegas' famous cheering section, the infamous “Black Hole” that was once also used in Los Angeles and Oakland. Home Raiders games are still great to watch, with some fans dressing up in Darth Vader-themed costumes to cheer on their team.
Top 50 Most Hostile Fanbases in Sports pic.twitter.com/gQ7dCKP9qf
— Big Game Boomer (@BigGameBoomer) June 21, 2024
While the current Las Vegas Raiders have struggled in recent years, their dominance in the 70s, 80s and 90s undoubtedly helped grow their fan base. The Raiders went 13-1 in 1967 to reach their first Super Bowl, but lost 33-14 to the Green Bay Packers. After eight consecutive winning seasons, the Raiders finally won their first Super Bowl under legendary head coach John Madden. Led by Hall of Fame coach Tom Flores, the Raiders won the Super Bowl again in 1980 and 1983. The Raiders remained competitive for the next two decades, but their final Super Bowl appearance came in 2002.
Raiders: Antonio Pierce era begins next fall
Kansas City, Missouri, USA, Dec. 25, 2023: Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce talks with cornerback Jack Jones (18) during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Las Vegas Raiders fans are eager to get him back. Las Vegas started last season with a 3-5 record. A struggling Jimmy Garoppolo lost his starting quarterback spot and head coach Josh McDaniels was fired. During that time, the Raiders turned to linebackers coach Antonio Pierce and quarterbacks coach Aidan O'Connell, who had moderate success. The AFC West team went 5-4 under Pierce, and the Raiders hired him as the 23rd head coach in franchise history during the offseason.
The Raiders have since parted ways with Garoppolo, leaving O'Connell and free agent acquisition Gardner Minshew at quarterback. O'Connell started 10 games last year and threw for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while Minshew was a Pro Bowl selection last season with the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Raiders also took defensive tight end Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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