Oakland Raiders Jerseys: A History and Evolution

The Oakland Raiders are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL), with a rich history dating back to 1960. The team's iconic silver and black jerseys have become synonymous with the Raiders brand, and have been worn by some of the greatest players in NFL history.

The Origins of the Raiders Jerseys

The Raiders' first jerseys were simple gray shirts with black numbers and letters. The team's logo, a pirate head with crossed swords, was not added to the jerseys until 1963. In 1964, the Raiders switched to their now-iconic silver and black jerseys, which were designed by team owner Al Davis.

The Evolution of the Raiders Jerseys

The Raiders' jerseys have undergone several changes over the years, but the basic design has remained the same. The most significant change came in 1995, when the team added a white stripe to the shoulders of the jerseys. This stripe was removed in 2019.

Other changes to the Raiders' jerseys over the years have included:

• The addition of a black stripe to the sleeves of the jerseys in 1991.
• The addition of a white stripe to the collar of the jerseys in 1995.
• The addition of a black stripe to the waist of the jerseys in 2003.
• The removal of the black stripe from the waist of the jerseys in 2019.

The Raiders' Jersey Numbers

The Raiders have retired 21 jersey numbers, more than any other team in the NFL. These numbers include:

• 1: Jim Otto
• 7: Kenny Stabler
• 12: George Blanda
• 15: Fred Biletnikoff
• 22: Mike Haynes
• 32: Marcus Allen
• 34: Bo Jackson
• 42: Jack Tatum
• 43: Cliff Branch
• 50: Bill Romanowski
• 51: Lester Hayes
• 53: Ted Hendricks
• 54: Kevin Mawae
• 57: Howie Long
• 63: Robert Jenkins
• 70: Gene Upshaw
• 75: Art Shell
• 80: Tim Brown
• 83: Jerry Rice
• 84: Todd Christensen
• 87: Dave Casper

The Raiders' Jersey Colors

The Raiders' silver and black jerseys are one of the most iconic color combinations in the NFL. The silver is said to represent the team's speed and agility, while the black represents the team's strength and power.

The Raiders' Jersey Culture

The Raiders' jerseys are more than just a uniform. They are a symbol of the team's history and tradition. Raiders fans are fiercely loyal to their team, and many of them wear their jerseys with pride.

Conclusion

The Oakland Raiders' jerseys are a unique and iconic part of the team's brand. They have been worn by some of the greatest players in NFL history, and they continue to be a symbol of the team's rich tradition.