SHIELD OF HONOR
The Raiders Fan Convention proudly supports these great
players for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame!
Please join us in our campaign to put our
all-time Raider Greats where they rightfully belong.
**Featured Player**
RAYMOND CHESTER
DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 28, 1948
PLACE OF BIRTH: CAMBRIDGE, MD
POSITION: TIGHT END
COLLEGE: MORGAN STATE
HEIGHT: 6' 3"
WEIGHT: 232
NFL DRAFT: 1970, ROUND 1, PICK 24
NFL PLAYER:
1970-72 OAKLAND RAIDERS
1973-77 BALTIMORE COLTS
1978-81 OAKLAND RAIDERS
GAMES: 172
RECEPTIONS: 364
YARDS: 5013
TOUCHDOWNS: 48
AVERAGE: 13.8
PRO BOWLS: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1979
SUPER BOWL XV CHAMPION OAKLAND RAIDERS
CLIFF BRANCH
Cliff Branch was one of the greatest players in Raider history. Cliff struck fear into secondarys throughout the league during an outstanding 14-year career. The Raiders speedster finished his career as the NFL's postseason leader in receptions and yardage. This included 3 touchdowns in Oakland’s three Super Bowl victories. Cliff was a solid player who worked to become a complete receiver and wasn't the stereotypical speedster who cannot make a key grab. Branch had a big heart, a big mouth and a non-stop motor.
Branch graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1972 and spent his entire 14-year professional career with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, winning 3 Super Bowl rings in Super Bowl XI, Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII. Branch caught 3 passes for 20 yards in Super Bowl XI, 5 passes for 62 yards and 2 touchdown in Super Bowl XV, and 6 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XVIII.
Cliff was voted All-Pro 3 consecutive seasons (1974-1976) and had perhaps his finest season in 1976 catching 46 passes for 1,111 yards and 12 TDs, averaging an amazing 24.2 yards per catch. Branch was named to 4 consecutive Pro Bowls (1974-1977). In 1974, Branch led the National Football League in both receiving yards (1,092) and receiving touchdowns (13).
Branch finished his 14 NFL seasons with 501 receptions for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns. He also rushed for 70 yards and returned 9 kickoffs for 191 yards.
Cliff was voted All-Pro 3 consecutive seasons (1974-1976) and had perhaps his finest season in 1976 catching 46 passes for 1,111 yards and 12 TDs, averaging an amazing 24.2 yards per catch. Branch was named to 4 consecutive Pro Bowls (1974-1977). In 1974, Branch led the National Football League in both receiving yards (1,092) and receiving touchdowns (13).
Branch finished his 14 NFL seasons with 501 receptions for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns. He also rushed for 70 yards and returned 9 kickoffs for 191 yards.
RAY GUY
"I
go in there to kick for the Raiders. If I have to kick a 32-yarder,
I'll kick a 32-yarder. I'll do my best to help us win the
game. I'm not concerned about statistics. I know what I can
do and my teammates know."
--- RAY GUY- Oakland
Tribune (1980 Season)
NFL 75th ANNIVERSARY ALL-TIME TEAM MEMBER
(Chosen by a selection committee of media and league personnel in 1994.)
SUPER BOWL SILVER ANNIVERSARY TEAM MEMBER
(Chosen by the fans in 1990 prior to Super Bowl XXV.)
1970's ALL-DECADE TEAM MEMBER
(All-Decade teams chosen by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee members.)
ALL-TIME NFL TEAM MEMBER
(Chosen by members of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee in 2000 for the book NFL’s GREATEST)
AFL-NFL 1960-1984 ALL-STAR TEAM MEMBER
(Chosen by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee in 1985.)
"He's
the first punter you could look at and say, He won games."
--- Joe Horrigan - Pro Football Hall of Fame Historian
-First Pure Punter Drafted in the 1st Round (23rd player overall).
-Played in seven Pro Bowls (six consecutively) - most ever for a punter!
-Played in seven AFC Championship Games.
-Played in three Super Bowl wins punting 14 times (tied for 3rd for most Super Bowl punts in a career) including a 41.9 average (3rd highest average recorded for a career).
-Led NFL in Punting three times.
-NFL Postseason Record for most punts in a career with 111 punts.
-NFL Postseason Record for Highest Punting Average in a game with 56.0 average.
(This record includes a 71yard punt - the 3rd Longest Postseason punt in NFL history).
-Played in seven Pro Bowls (six consecutively) - most ever for a punter!
-Played in seven AFC Championship Games.
-Played in three Super Bowl wins punting 14 times (tied for 3rd for most Super Bowl punts in a career) including a 41.9 average (3rd highest average recorded for a career).
-Led NFL in Punting three times.
-NFL Postseason Record for most punts in a career with 111 punts.
-NFL Postseason Record for Highest Punting Average in a game with 56.0 average.
(This record includes a 71yard punt - the 3rd Longest Postseason punt in NFL history).
"He was an expert in the arcane area of "hang time,"
the precious time the ball was in the air, allowing the coverage
to assemble around the returner. If you accept the idea in
physics that there is only so much energy to propel a kick,
Guy was willing to sacrifice distance for height."
--- Greg Garber, Author of "Inside Football" - Award-Winning Investigative Sports Journalist and ESPN Football Commentator
-Pro Bowl Record for most punts in a career with 33 punts.
-First Pure Punter Nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame.
-Listed as one of 300 Greatest Players in NFL History by the Official Encyclopedia of the National Football League - Total Football II.
-First Punter to win the Golden Toe Award (presented by Pro Football Weekly).
-"Hang-time" came into the NFL lexicon during his tenure. One of his punts hit the hanging scoreboard in the Louisiana Superdome. Another was tested for "helium!"
-Doubled as teams' emergency quarterback with strong, accurate passing arm.
-First Pure Punter Nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame.
-Listed as one of 300 Greatest Players in NFL History by the Official Encyclopedia of the National Football League - Total Football II.
-First Punter to win the Golden Toe Award (presented by Pro Football Weekly).
-"Hang-time" came into the NFL lexicon during his tenure. One of his punts hit the hanging scoreboard in the Louisiana Superdome. Another was tested for "helium!"
-Doubled as teams' emergency quarterback with strong, accurate passing arm.
"Those who earn their living in pro football say he's the finest punter in the history of the world."
--- "The Sporting News"
MODEL OF CONSISTENCY:
-Never missed a game (Played in 207 consecutive games in 14 year career).
-No blocked kicks in his first five NFL seasons. Had only three of 1049 punts blocked in his career. (Finished career with streak of 619 unblocked boots.)
-Placed an astonishing 57 punts inside 20-yard line during 1984-85 seasons.
-Averaged under 40 yards per punt only once in entire career. (42.4 career average).
-Never missed a game (Played in 207 consecutive games in 14 year career).
-No blocked kicks in his first five NFL seasons. Had only three of 1049 punts blocked in his career. (Finished career with streak of 619 unblocked boots.)
-Placed an astonishing 57 punts inside 20-yard line during 1984-85 seasons.
-Averaged under 40 yards per punt only once in entire career. (42.4 career average).
"I
was never much on hang time until we got Ray. But then we
started clocking how long his punt hung up in the air. Sometimes
he kept it up there as long as six seconds!"
--- John Madden, ABC Monday Night Football /Former Coach
LESTER HAYES
A former teammate named Fred Biletnikoff used stick-um on his hands and body, but it was Lester Hayes who took it to another level and it forced the NFL to ban its use. Hayes played ten seasons with the Oakland and then the Los Angeles Raiders. He won the admiration of friend and foe alike for his ability to cover any type of receiver man for man. Whether it was Charlie Joiner, John Jefferson or some other great player, Hayes always managed to keep up with the best of them. In 2001 he was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame but just missed it by a few votes.
Lester's greatest season came in 1980 when he intercepted 18 passes, including five in the postseason, in leading Oakland to a Super Bowl title. He returned two of those 18 interceptions for touchdowns and in the playoffs, Lester was the most dominate cornerback in playoff history. Against the Oilers, Hayes intercepted former teammate Kenny Stabler two times, returning the picks for a total of 26 yards and scoring one touchdown. One week later, he intercepted Cleveland quarterback Brian Sipe two times. Finally in the AFC Championship game against the Chargers, Hayes intercepted Fouts one time. In Super Bowl XV, Hayes didn't intercept a pass but he limited his man to just two receptions in the Raiders 27-10 victory.
On January 22, 1984 the Los Angeles Raiders played in Super Bowl XVIII against the Redskins. Hayes was once again flawless throughout the Raiders playoff run. He intercepted one pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional playoffs and he intercepted another pass in the AFC Championship game against Seattle. In Super Bowl XVIII Hayes limited his man to just one reception. Hayes slipped on the play and this allowed for a completed pass. Lester almost shut out his receiver for the entire game!!!
Lester Hayes intercepted 39 passes during the regular season and 47 overall.
Lester's greatest season came in 1980 when he intercepted 18 passes, including five in the postseason, in leading Oakland to a Super Bowl title. He returned two of those 18 interceptions for touchdowns and in the playoffs, Lester was the most dominate cornerback in playoff history. Against the Oilers, Hayes intercepted former teammate Kenny Stabler two times, returning the picks for a total of 26 yards and scoring one touchdown. One week later, he intercepted Cleveland quarterback Brian Sipe two times. Finally in the AFC Championship game against the Chargers, Hayes intercepted Fouts one time. In Super Bowl XV, Hayes didn't intercept a pass but he limited his man to just two receptions in the Raiders 27-10 victory.
On January 22, 1984 the Los Angeles Raiders played in Super Bowl XVIII against the Redskins. Hayes was once again flawless throughout the Raiders playoff run. He intercepted one pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional playoffs and he intercepted another pass in the AFC Championship game against Seattle. In Super Bowl XVIII Hayes limited his man to just one reception. Hayes slipped on the play and this allowed for a completed pass. Lester almost shut out his receiver for the entire game!!!
Lester Hayes intercepted 39 passes during the regular season and 47 overall.
KENNY "the Snake" STABLER
Ken Stabler began his career in Oakland in 1968. He was the Raiders third string quarterback behind Lamonica and George BLanda. Stabler wore his hair long during his playing days and it flowed out the back of his helmet, a perfect example of the message of fuck-you Raiders independence sent to the rest of the then-conservative NFL.
And what Stabler lacked in arm strength, he made up for with an uncanny knack for finding the open receiver. He learned about this from his mentor and second-string quarterback George Blanda. Stabler took over the Raider helm in 1973 and the Raiders would reach the AFC Championship Game five consecutive times. This culminated in a Raider victory in Super Bowl XI in January 1977.
Stabler piled up enormous numbers during his tenure, making All-Pro in 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1977, and the Raiders record books are littered with his name. Upon being traded from Oakland in 1979, Stabler held the single-season marks for most passes attempted at 325, most completions at 188, and most yards gained passing at 2,398. He also has the highest single-season rating in Raiders history.
However, what isn't listed is Stablers serene presence on the field which won the respect of this teammates, the fans and made him a master of come-from-behind victories. Stabler's feel for the game allowed him to improvise on the run, and he always took things seriously, displaying total command in the huddle. This led to some of the greatest games in pro football history, including 1977 double overtime playoff victory against the Colts, or the victory against the Miami Dolphins in 1974 which ended the Dolphins three straight appearances in the Super Bowl. Kenny Stabler is still the greatest quarterback in Raiders history and holds the team records in attempts, completions, yardage and touchdowns.
Stabler is waiting for his initiation to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It is a travesty that he hasn't won a spot with the immortals who played the sport.
And what Stabler lacked in arm strength, he made up for with an uncanny knack for finding the open receiver. He learned about this from his mentor and second-string quarterback George Blanda. Stabler took over the Raider helm in 1973 and the Raiders would reach the AFC Championship Game five consecutive times. This culminated in a Raider victory in Super Bowl XI in January 1977.
Stabler piled up enormous numbers during his tenure, making All-Pro in 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1977, and the Raiders record books are littered with his name. Upon being traded from Oakland in 1979, Stabler held the single-season marks for most passes attempted at 325, most completions at 188, and most yards gained passing at 2,398. He also has the highest single-season rating in Raiders history.
However, what isn't listed is Stablers serene presence on the field which won the respect of this teammates, the fans and made him a master of come-from-behind victories. Stabler's feel for the game allowed him to improvise on the run, and he always took things seriously, displaying total command in the huddle. This led to some of the greatest games in pro football history, including 1977 double overtime playoff victory against the Colts, or the victory against the Miami Dolphins in 1974 which ended the Dolphins three straight appearances in the Super Bowl. Kenny Stabler is still the greatest quarterback in Raiders history and holds the team records in attempts, completions, yardage and touchdowns.
Stabler is waiting for his initiation to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It is a travesty that he hasn't won a spot with the immortals who played the sport.
TOM FLORES
Tom Flores was the first starting quarterback in Oakland Raiders history. Flores wasn't a game breaker but he had a decent touch and loved hitting the long bomb to WR Art Powell. Not much can be said about Flores playing career and even though he owns a few Raider passing records his main contribution to the team was his coaching. As an assistant on John Maddens staff he won a World Championship in 1976 but Flores had other contributions. He is and will always be the only coach to ever win the Super Bowl during the 1980's while coaching an AFC team. First in 1981 and then again in 1984 Tom Flores Raiders won the Super Bowl and cemented his reputation as one of the greatest coaches ever. Later he retired and became general manager of the Seattle Seahawks for a time, then he was the Seahawks head coach and finally Flores has been the voice of the Oakland Raiders on the radio since the mid 1990's.
Flores may be best remembered for his work with Jim Plunkett. Tom took that former Heisman Trophy winner, who flopped as a pro football player and made him into a clutch quarterback who could make big plays. Plunkett responded in 1980 and guided the Raiders to a playoff birth after taking over for the injured Dan Pastorini. In the playoffs the Raiders won three straight games including two tough road games verses Cleveland and San Diego. The Raiders then whipped the Eagles in Super Bowl XV and Plunkett became the games MVP while throwing for 3 touchdowns. In 1984 Flores and the Raiders were underdogs against one of the greatest teams of all time. The 1983 Redskins had scored more points than any other team had in a season in league history. Running Back John Riggins was the ultimate power runner who bulldozed his way to a Super Bowl MVP award in Super Bowl XVII. But in Super Bowl XVIII it was all Los Angeles as Flores squad held Riggins to just 64 yards in 26 carries, his longest run of the day was a mere 8 yards!! The Raiders won 38-9 and they held the Redskins out of the end zone until the third quarter.
Flores may be best remembered for his work with Jim Plunkett. Tom took that former Heisman Trophy winner, who flopped as a pro football player and made him into a clutch quarterback who could make big plays. Plunkett responded in 1980 and guided the Raiders to a playoff birth after taking over for the injured Dan Pastorini. In the playoffs the Raiders won three straight games including two tough road games verses Cleveland and San Diego. The Raiders then whipped the Eagles in Super Bowl XV and Plunkett became the games MVP while throwing for 3 touchdowns. In 1984 Flores and the Raiders were underdogs against one of the greatest teams of all time. The 1983 Redskins had scored more points than any other team had in a season in league history. Running Back John Riggins was the ultimate power runner who bulldozed his way to a Super Bowl MVP award in Super Bowl XVII. But in Super Bowl XVIII it was all Los Angeles as Flores squad held Riggins to just 64 yards in 26 carries, his longest run of the day was a mere 8 yards!! The Raiders won 38-9 and they held the Redskins out of the end zone until the third quarter.
VOTING PROCEDURE:
To be eligible for the nominating process, a player must have been retired at least five years, and a coach must be retired (as of 2007, retired for five years). Any other contributor such as a team owner or executive can be elected at any time. Fans may nominate any player, coach or contributor by simply writing to the Pro Football Hall of Fame via letter or email. The Selection Committee is then polled three times by mail to eventually narrow the list to 25 semifinalists: once in March, one in September, and one in October. In November, the committee then selects 15 finalists by mail balloting. Nine members of the Selection Committee also serve as a subcommittee known as the Seniors Committee to screen candidates who finished their careers 25 or more years’ prior. The Seniors Committee then adds two finalists from prior to the modern era, making a final ballot of 17. The Selection Committee then meets the day before each Super Bowl game to elect a new class. To be elected, a finalist must receive at least 80 percent support from the Board, with at least four, but no more than seven, candidates being elected annually. If no candidate gets 80 percent, then the top four vote-getters will get in that year. If more than seven get 80 percent, then only the top seven-vote getters will be inducted.
PLEASE VISIT:
http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/selectionprocess.html
TO VOTE FOR THESE GREAT RAIDER PLAYERS!
Once there, scroll down to the bottom of the page,
click on the small e-mail icon,
and nominate our great players!
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