Does Steve Wisniewski have a Hall of Fame profile?

For a third straight year, the Hall of Fame committee bypassed former Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown for induction. There’s no denying he’s a hall of famer and will eventually get in…

But, when?

None of the six men elected; Curtis Martin, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf, Dermontti Dawson, and senior selection Jack Butler, were wide receivers. Cris Carter and Andre Reed, both who were on the finalist list, played the same position and deserve induction as well. So it could take some time before we see probably the most deserving Raider not in Canton, with a bronze bust in the hall of immortals.

I’ll take a look at the five Raiders that deserve induction into the NFL Hall of Fame:

Tim Brown – Wide Receiver 

Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders and currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown. Brown was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

Ron Wolf – GM/Personnel

Wolf was an architect of great Silver & Black clubs, as he had a vital role in drafting future hall of fame performers such as, Art Shell, Gene Upshaw, Howie Long and Marcus Allen. He also helped bring in Ken Stabler, Jack Tatum and Matt Millen. Wolf had two tenures with the Raiders, from 1963-to-1975 and again in 1978-1990.

With the Packers, his first major move was to hire Mike Holmgren, who eventually won Super Bowl XXXI, made a second big game appearance a year later against the Broncos while making the playoffs six-times as the general manager. Wolf inked Reggie White, the first marquee player in the league’s free-agent era.

Wolf remained a good friend of Al Davis throughout the years and Oakland consulted with the former executive on many occasions, just recently during their search for a new general manager.

Ray Guy – Punter

He was a major contributor on all three Raider championship teams, was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, a six-time All-Pro, the punter on the league’s storied 75^th Anniversary team and the first punter ever taken in the first-round of the draft. Guy never had a punt returned for a score, with his prowess being stuff of legends league wide.

The NFL has to recognize specialist and their contributions – it’s a travesty they don’t respect kickers and punters, especially since from year-to-year, the emphasis on special teams and how it can affect the outcome of games and ultimately, championship runs, is scrutinized by executives, coaches, players, media and fans.

If any special teamer deserves to get in first, it should be the greatest punter of all-time.

Cliff Branch – Wide Receiver 

Branch’s snubbing is mind-boggling. Especially when you consider that ‘Bullet’ Bob Hayes was inducted in 2009. Branch has been to one more Pro Bowl than Hayes, has two more First-Team All Pro selections, has two more Super Bowl rings and was a greater contributor to Oakland’s lore, than Hayes was to the Cowboys history.

Not only does Branch trump Hayes in awards, championships and highlights, but his stats are comparable. The Raider target played three-more seasons, but his 501-receptions for 8,685-yards and 67 touchdowns are just as impressive as Hayes’ 371-catches for 7,414-yards and 71 touchdowns.

Hayes was legendary due to his world class speed, but ask any cornerbacks who played against Branch in the 70s and ask them who much of a threat he was and they’ll tell you.

Steve Wisniewski – Guard

Yes, one of my all-time favorite players, but a guard who is truly deserving of Hall of Fame honors.

‘The Wiz’ was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection in 13-seasons. More impressive were the eight-times he was chosen as an All-Pro at his spot, including six straight recognitions from 1991-1996. Very few linemen in Raider history embodied what the team was about. He was tough, fiery and many accused him of being the dirtiest player in the league. Opponents hated lining up against him, but they all admired his grit in the trenches, as he was equally adept as a pass and run blocker.

THOUGHTS ON OTHERS…

Ken Stabler, George Blanda and Jim Plunkett

I’m not a big proponent for Tom Flores or Jim Plunkett’s inductions. Sorry Raider fans, but when I think of Hall of Fame, neither of those players come to mind.

Plunkett floundered for eight-years before his 1980 run with the Silver & Black. Undoubtedly, he did great things for the organization after that, winning two Super Bowls, but his credentials are not Canton worthy. Plunkett ended with 164 touchdowns and 198 interceptions. What’s your argument; that his career started slow? Well, with Oakland/Los Angeles, he had 80 touchdowns and 81 interceptions. He did have a 38-19 record with the Silver & Black, but his 72-72-career mark is not inspiring.

As for Flores, yes… he was the man on the sideline of two Super Bowl victories and his contributions run deep, going back to his playing days with the Raiders. His 83-53 record with the Silver & Black as coach in nine-seasons were impressive, but he was never considered a mastermind, rarely do you ever remember him being a difference maker for his coaching analytics and was known more for being a caretaker to great Raider teams.

His three-years in Seattle in which he posted a 14-34 record really smudged his résumé. A 97-87 record is mediocre, but those two Super Bowl victories are headlights that should catch the attention of some voters. Unfortunately, and rightfully I think, shouldn’t blind people into voting for him.

Lester Hayes was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the 1980 Defensive Player of the Year. Of the others mentioned in this section, he may be the one most deserving. I could’ve easily snuck him into my top-five, as his coverage ability and great nicknames; “the Judge” and “Lester the Molester” were indicative of his style pf play in bump and run coverage.

Ken Stabler in action during pre-game festivities.

Ken Stabler was clutch, a coach on the field and led the Raiders to victory in Superbowl XI. Two of his targets are in the Hall of Fame, but not the guy who got ‘em the ball?

‘The Snake’ had a career record of 96-49-1 and a masterful 69-26-1 run with the Raiders. He was a Hall of Fame finalist in 1990, 1991 and 2003. You have to think that as time passes, Stabler will be buried under an avalanche of great passers that will be inducted before him.

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Jim Otto during pre-game festivities in Oakland.

In this two part series, SBReport.net takes a look at the nineteen Raiders that have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Jim Otto – Center – Inducted: 1980

You can call him Mr. Raider. Otto joined the newfound Raiders in 1960 and the team never saw another center along the offensive line for 15-campaigns. He was a nine-time AFL All-Star, three-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro. Till this date, Otto still remains a presence at Raider games and works for the organization.

George Blanda – Quarterback/Kicker – Inducted: 1981

From 1967-to-1975, Blanda provided Raider fans with memorable moments. At 43, he had a remarkable streak of games that featured him tossing three touchdowns in relief of an injured Daryle Lamonica versus the Steelers, kicking a 48-yard field goal with three seconds remaining to salvage a tie against the Chiefs and against the Browns, Blanda came off the bench to toss a tying score and then kick a game winning field goal as time wound down. He had two more amazing feats; again tossing a game winning touchdown versus the Broncos in relief and booting another field goal to seal the contest versus the Chargers.

Willie Brown – Cornerback – Inducted: 1984

The defensive back has one of the most vivid moments in Super Bowl history when he intercepted Fran Tarkenton and dashed 75-yards for a score. He played for Oakland from 1967-to-1978. Brown has remained a coach for the Silver & Black and one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.

Gene Upshaw – Guard – Inducted: 1987

He played his entire 307 preseason, regular season, and post-season game career with the Raiders. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, three time All Pro and two time Super Bowl champion was a dominant guard, who later became a historic figure as executive director of the NFLPA.

Fred Biletnikoff – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 1988

"Freddy B" & Art Shell during inductions in Canton in 2006.

“Freddy B” compiled 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns during his 14-year career with Oakland Raiders from1965 through 1978. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, six-time All Pro and MVP of Super Bowl XI.

Art Shell – Tackle – Inducted: 1989

Not many players in league history were as complete as Shell. Equally great as a run and pass blocker, Shell was selected to eight Pro Bowls and was an All Pro first team tackle three-times. His post-player career included a AFC coach of the year award in 1990, when his club tallied 12-wins and made an appearance in the championship game that season.

Ted Hendricks – Linebacker – Inducted: 1990

“The Mad Stork” donned the Silver & Black from 1975-to-1983. In 1976, he was a full-time player for the Raiders in a 3-4 defense that ranked 6th that season in sacks tallied. A four-time Super Bowl champion, Hendricks attained the nickname “Kick ‘em in the Head Ted” as a Raider.

Ted Hendricks in Oakland prior to the game versus the Browns in 2011.

Al Davis – Owner – Inducted: 1992

Davis was one of the most legendary figures in league history. As an owner, head coach, general manager and commissioner, Davis’ impact in football is widespread, on the field and off of it. No other person embodied what the Raiders were all about.

Mike Haynes – Cornerback – Inducted: 1997

Speed, range and cover abilities – Haynes was the epitome of bump and run coverage. A nine-time Pro Bow selection and a member of the leagues’ 75th anniversary team, Haynes was a Raider from 1983-1989. He tallied 18 interceptions wearing the Silver & Black.

Eric Dickerson – Running Back – Inducted: 1999

He was a Raider for one season, acquired from the Rams for fourth and eighth round picks in the 1992 draft. He rushed for 729-yards – with his lone shinning moment on the Monday Night Football stage versus the Chiefs, darting 40 yards for a score.

Part two of SBReport’s look at Raider hall of famers:

A look back at all the Raiders in the NFL Hall of Fame (pt. 2)

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Running back Ahmad Bradshaw celebrating a score versus the Raiders.

Super Bowl XLVI will feature two very deserving teams, with two passers looking to cement their legacies and one club in particular, searching for revenge after having their perfect season wiped away in this final game a few years back.

SBReport.net will take a look at what both the New York Giants and the New England Patriots have to accomplish to win this game and what would occur if either team gets to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy on Sunday evening.

THE CASE FOR THE NEW YORK GIANTS (NFC CHAMPIONS)

Unlike the Patriots, the Giants can wing it with Eli Manning, not worry about a ground game and still come away victorious. That talented unit of wide receivers, which features Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham, could provide enough troubles for a highly questionable Pats’ secondary and enable Manning to put up better stats than his counterpart at the end of this final game of the 2011 season.

The Giants moved the ball very well against a tough, solid tackling and fiery defense on the road to get to the Super Bowl. Their efforts in San Francisco were impressive. And this Bill Belichick defense is nowhere near the talent level of the 49ers’ unit.

Brandon Jacobs nor Ahmad Bradshaw, do not need big games. But a few draws, some Bradshaw pitches to the edge and Jacobs’ downhill style could help set a tone and keep New England off-balance.

Manning will need a 40-plus pass attempt effort to win this game.

On defense, it’s quite simple, keep the Patriots one-dimensional. Yes, that may lead to big numbers for Tom Brady, but the Giants have to shutdown Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis and hope that fierce pass rush can get to the quarterback enough to make life miserable for him.

That formula was used to win in 2007 – so if Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora cannot get heat on Brady, the Giants will be in a shoot-out all afternoon and hoping that Brady doesn’t have the ball in his hands late in the contest either up with a chance to seal the deal, or with the team’s fate in his hands.

The Giants secondary isn’t very good either, but they have playmakers in Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips. And if their pass rush is wreaking havoc, they have enough talent on the linebacker unit and back end of the defensive backfield to contain New England’s deadly  tight ends.

A WIN FOR MANNING WILL…

Wouldn’t it be sweet for Eli to raise the trophy in the ‘House that Peyton built”?

A second victory against Brady in a Super Bowl will put the younger Manning among the elite in New York sports history. He’ll easily surpass Phil Simms as the greatest signal caller in Giants’ history and place himself in the pantheon of the Big Apple’s greats.

I would put him ahead of Mark Messier, who delivered the Rangers their first Stanley Cup in 54-years back in the 1993-94 campaign. Manning will surpass Walt Frazier (Knicks), will cast a shadow over Joe Namath (Jets) and by career’s end, which could sound crazy, may even have a chance to take the crown as the greatest Giant ever, taking the mantle away from Lawrence Taylor, who revolutionized the linebacker position in the NFL.

Manning could easily place himself in the Mt. Rushmore of NY sports; along with Derek Jeter, Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth – all who played for the Yankees.

THE CASE FOR THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (AFC CHAMPIONS)

On defense, Vince Wilfork will have to play the game of his life. Brandon Spikes will have to be a tackling machine and someone from that secondary – anyone – will need a key interception to slow Manning and that potent aerial attack.

A vital aspect of this contest is the week off. Belichick is a mastermind when given time to game plan, and with the Giants in such a roll, the bye actually is a major advantage for the Patriots – especially with Rob Gronkowski’s injured left ankle.

That two tight end set that New England deploys could give the Giants massive headaches. New York had breakdowns in coverage versus Vernon Davis and a 49er team that offered very little in terms of other targets in the NFC Championship game.

If Gronkowski can play and perform effectively, it will give the Patriots a chance to match him either against a slower linebacker or smaller safety, and others such as Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker and Deion Branch could have huge games working the middle of the field.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Brady started the game in a no-huddle and uses it plenty throughout the evening in hopes of tiring the Giants pass rush, causing confusion in the secondary and prevent New York to make substitutions to their active front-seven.

Green-Ellis must be productive. They may not need well over 100-yards out of him, but it’s essential they can move the chains on short yardage with the run and offer more than what San Francisco did in terms of balance and versatility against an aggressive Giants defense.

Running right at the pass rushers and draw plays off of shotgun formations, quick snaps and other creative ways to get chunks of yards on the ground will be needed to keep Manning on the sideline as well. The one unit that took a beating when the Giants beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, in the game and via the media afterwards, was the offensive line of New England. This time around, they’ll have a chip on their shoulder and major incentive to play well against a New York team that has been chatty and boisterous along the defense the last few days.

ANOTHER RING FOR BRADY…

Brady has done it all. He’s a hall of famer to be and recognized as one of the elite sporting figures of this generation.

But a fourth Super Bowl title would be epic.

Brady could situate himself among the league’s immortals with a win. Not only will the Patriots need a big game from their star passer, but a larger-than-life stat line with a win could be the single greatest feat of his already stellar career.

New England enters this game with their most vital offensive component nowhere near 100% percent, per many reports. The defense they are heading into the game with may be the worst defensive unit ever in Super Bowl lore. Add  that he doesn’t posses a great rusher, nor an offensive line you could recognize immediately, and you’re talking about all the makings of a historic evening for Brady – especially since he’s still disturbed by his performance two weeks ago versus the Ravens and a few years back when his perfect season evaporated and a title slipped through his fingers, in a game which he played valiantly in and was in line to win another MVP.

Brady with a win, will stand-alone with Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas. From there, you can argue all you want about who’s the greatest. Then, you can add him to the list of greatest players to don shoulder pads, not just that played under center.

PREDICTION

Will Brady have a great game? Yes. Will Welker and the rest of the offense find a way to keep it tight through three quarters with the G-men? Absolutely. But I find it hard to believe, as much as I trust Belichick and his game-planning genius, that Raider cast-off Sterling Moore and that questionable secondary can stand toe-to-toe versus Manning and that passing game.

The New York pass rush will be relentless. And even if they face a no-huddle attack, they’ll find a way to make plays, get Brady moving in the pocket and force some throws down the field. With Gronkowski on a tender ankle, it really hinders what New England can do in their passing game.

What I find surprising is the line before the game? The Patriots have remained a 2 ½ to 3 point favorite all week. I know their regular season record and playoff seeding was taken into consideration, but the Giants are the hottest team coming into the game. The Pats are on a current 10-game winning streak, but they’ve faced Mark Sanchez, Tyler Palko, Vince Young, Dan Orlovsky, Rex Grossman, Tim Tebow (twice), Matt Moore, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Joe Flacco since their last defeat on November 6.

Oh, by the way, their last loss was against? Yes, Manning and the Giants.

COTTO’S FINAL SCORE: Giants 33 – Patriots 27    MVP: Eli Manning

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Chris McClain – click here to reach him on twitter.

This year’s Giants remind me of last season’s Green Bay Packers. Like the Packers last year, New York had to win their final two games of the season to win the NFC East and make the playoffs. The Giants run will end with the Lombard Trophy, just like last year’s Packers.

Both teams will make adjustments at the halftime, causing the bulk of the scoring to occur in the second half. The Giants will get their running game going to assist Manning and the receivers, along with keeping Brady off of the field as much as possible. Brady and the Patriots will have a chance to win the game late, but much like in 2007, the Giants defense will hold strong and secure the New York’s fourth Super Bowl victory.

MCCLAIN’S FINAL SCORE: Giants 28 – Patriots 24    MVP: Eli Manning

BOB CARR’S PREDICTION: Giants 38 – Patriots 24    MVP:  Eli Manning

ERIC STRAUSS’ PREDICTION: Giants 27 – Patriots 17   MVP: Eli Manning

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What are some of your favorites memories from Super Bowl’s the Raiders played in?

Here’s a peek at my list:

• #10 – The greatest WR does it again – Super Bowl XXXVII
• #9 – Kenny King’s 80-yard Touchdown – Super Bowl XV
• #8 – ‘The Assassin’ left his mark – Super Bowl XI
• #7 – Rod Martin’s INT parade – Super Bowl XV
• #6 – Davis celebrates his 3rd Title – Super Bowl XVIII

Want to know what was in the top-five and details accompanying each moment? Go here:

Top 10 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl Moments

Follow me on twitter and tweet me your best Super Bowl Raider moments. I’ll also have a special Super Bowl edition of ‘Countdown to Paydirt,’ with game info and some predictions for this Sunday’s match-up between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, on Friday. Best fan tweets regarding the game this weekend will be posted on SBReport.net.

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In a release disseminated today, the NFL announced that thirty-six Hawaiian non-profit organizations will benefit from a total of $100,000 in grants as part of the Pro Bowl Grant Program.

Here’s a list of organizations who were given grants, along with more from the press release:

•          African American Diversity Cultural Center Hawaii

•          After-School All-Stars Hawaii

•          Armed Services YMCA – Honolulu

•          Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui

•          Diversity Activities National Association

•          Family Programs Hawaii

•          Friends of the Library of Hawaii

•          Friends of the Missing Child Center – Hawaii

•          Fun Day Foundation

•          Habilitat, Inc.

•          Hale Kipa

•          Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation

•          Hawaii Council on Economic Education

•          Hawaiian Kamalii, Inc.

•          Hospice of Kona

•          HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support)

•          Kaho’omiki on behalf of Niu Valley Playground

•          KAMP Hawaii

•          Keiki Kokua

•          Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Inc.

•          Making Dreams Come True, Valley of Rainbows

•          Marimed Foundation

•          Ohana Komputer

•          Pacific Big Boyz Football Conference

•          Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance

•          Palama Settlement

•          Positive Coaching Hawaii

•          Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii

•          Special Olympics Hawaii

•          Talk About Curing Autism

•          The Children’s Alliance of Hawaii, Inc.

•          Waikiki Community Center

•          Waikiki Health Center

•          Waimanalo Health Center

•          Young Women’s Christian Association of Oahu

•          YWCA of Kauai

NFL Giving encompasses the many ways that the National Football League, including its clubs, owners and players, strengthen communities nationwide. While representing the NFL’s heritage of community commitment and charitable engagement, NFL Giving encourages long-term health and wellness in communities; fosters community citizenship and philanthropy; advances sports-related medical research and education; and supports the health and well being of our former NFL players.

Photo Credit: Darryl Bush (originally published in SF Chronicle)

January 19, 2003… the last time the Oakland Raiders participated in a conference championship game.

The Silver & Black advanced to the Super Bowl with a 41-24 home win versus the Tennessee Titans.

That was a daylong celebration for the Raider Nation. It began with the early tailgating, which then erupted onto a Network Coliseum parking lot concert featuring Metallica.

Yes, with Bob Rock on bass, Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich played Fuel, Master of Puppets, Sad, But True, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Seek & Destroy and Battery – as if the Raider faithful needed more adrenaline prior to the contest. (Yup, click on any of those songs to watch the performance on youTube)

League MVP Rich Gannon was 29-41 for 286-yards, three scores and no interceptions. His 2-yard scamper for a score early in the 4^th quarter ignited a crowd that was at a fever pitch all afternoon, but Zack Crockett’s 7-yard run with 3:25 remaining was the final nail in the Titans coffin.

“It’s amazing what you remember at funny times,” said Tim Brown after the game. “It’s just a great feeling to know that after watching this for 14-years, watching people play this game, to actually be on your way, it’s pushing a dream boat.”

Brown, 36 at the time, had nine catches for 73-yards.

Oakland only ran the ball 17-times that afternoon – a norm for that team, who were carried by an epic year-round performance from Gannon.

Tennessee ranked second in the league that year versus the run, but 25^th against the pass. Unfortunately for them, the Silver & Black were the leagues best passing club.

“Tennessee’s got a great defensive line, a good set of linebackers, but their defensive backs are kind of suspect,” stated starting left guard Frank Middleton. “We knew that going in. You have to take advantage of that.”

The attendance: 62,544. Not one person in that building will forget the on-field celebration, Bill Callahan hoisting the Lamar Hunt trophy and the melodic chants of “RAAAAAIDERS,” that rung loudly at the house of thrills.

Veterans like Brown and Gannon joined Bill Romanowski, Jerry Rice, Rod Woodson, Charlie Garner and Lincoln Kennedy on the field stage to celebrate their Super Bowl berth.

On that Sunday nine-years ago, Oakland felt right at home… as AFC champions.

GAME NOTES

• Anthony Dorsett, who played for the Titans on their 1999 Super Bowl team, recovered a fumble that eventually led to a score that gave the Raiders a 21-17 lead.
• The Titans fought hard that weekend. Steve McNair played a tough contest and with Joe Nedney declared out at halftime, it curtailed Jeff Fisher’s strategy throughout the game. A 50-yard field goal attempt was nixed, and when Craig Hentrich attempted a punt at a crucial spot in the contest, the Raiders special teams, featuring Crocket, Tim Johnson, Eric Johnson and Clarence Love tackled the punter at the Titans 16-yard line. A few plays later, Sebastian Janikowski booted a field goal to make it 27-17 with 4:29 left in the 3^rd quarter.
• Oakland ran only one running play over the first three quarters.
• “We were making a lot of dumb mistakes out there,” starting linebacker Eric Barton said. “Fortunately, we sucked it up and stopped it. That shows the character of this team.” The Raiders compiled 14 penalties for 127 yards, as they landed some vicious hits on McNair and battered the Eddie George, who ran the ball for 67-yards on 15-carries. “McNair played like a true warrior today,” said Callahan. “He had no quit in him, no die in him.”
• “We fought all year long,” Rice said after his 5-catches for 79-yards. “When we lost four straight games, this team stuck together and now we’re going to the Super Bowl.”
• Doug Jolley had 3-catches for 13-yards and a score. Jerry Porter had 4-receptions for 52-yards and a touchdown. Garner tallied 7-receptions for 55-yards and one touchdown.

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One of the reasons in the tongue-in-cheek column was:

2. All the real fanatics live in working-class Oakland and cheer for the Raiders. We’ve seen Raider Nation, and it’s a frightening spectacle. Niner fans don’t know from spikey costumes.

I’m sure that will bring a huge smile to the Raider Nation, as many of them will cheer against their Bay Area rival on Sunday. Here are some images  in honor of the article and the faithful that show-up every weekend wearing their Sunday best:

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Al Davis, who was synonymous with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders died at 82. Since, the Silver & Black have lit an eternal flame in his honor at every home. SBReport.net was there every weekend covering the Raiders and capturing images of past greats who were honored to light the torch.

“The fire that burns brightest in the Raiders organization is the will to win.” — Al Davis

October 16, 2011 – In their first game at home since his passing, the Raiders took on the Cleveland Browns. Legendary coach John Madden was the first to ignite the cauldron in Davis’ honor. Madden is still the franchise leader in wins, compiling a 103-32-7 regular season record, winning Super Bowl XI and never having a losing campaign for the Raiders.

October 23, 2011 – Jim Otto a week later was given the honor of lighting the flame. From 1960-to-1974, the center cemented his legacy with the Silver & Black. He was a nine-time AFL All-Star selection, three time Pro Bowl pick and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1980. If there was a great that could be dubbed “Mr. Raider,” it would be Otto.

November 6, 2011 – Freddy Biletnikoff lit the eternal flame in pre-game ceremonies on the weekend Oakland faced the Broncos. The former wide-receiver debuted in 1965 for Oakland and at the end of his career, he had six All-Pro selections, numerous team records, a Super Bowl championship (XI) and a Super Bowl MVP.

November 27, 2011 – It was Jim Plunkett’s turn prior to the game against the Bears. The passer joined the Raiders in 1978 serving as a reserve before an injury propelled him to the forefront. Then during the 1980 season, Plunkett’s career took off, winning comeback player of the year and leading the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories (XV, XVIII).

December 18, 2011 – Before Oakland faced the Detroit Lions; Clem Daniels was given the honor of lighting the flame. In 1961, Daniels was traded to the Raiders, where he spent seven years and was an AFL all-star in ’63, ’64, ’65, ’66 and ’67.

January 1, 2012 – Mark Davis, Al’s son, rung in the New Year by being the last person to light the flame during the 2011 campaign. It was poetic to see the son light the fire the burned the brightest on the season’s final day, as Oakland now embarks in a new era of football without the maverick.

“Three months ago on Oct. 8, 2011 at 3 a.m. I received a phone call from Dr. General Hilliard that my father had passed away. It was a sad day for the Raider Nation and all of the players, coaches and fans who have worn the famed silver and black over the last 48 years.” – Mark Davis, on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.

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The ace for the New York Yankess – C.C. Sabathia –  strolled through the ‘Black Hole’ a few weeks ago.

SBReport.net will have a ‘best and worst’ of 2011 in the coming days, as well as resolutions and more fan images from the past year.

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