Numbers Don’t Lie: History of Raiders Jersey No. 81
By Maliik Obee
The history of the No. 81 jersey of the Oakland Raiders.
The Oakland Raiders have a long history of producing quality wideouts, from Cliff Branch to Fred Biletnikoff and now Amari Cooper, among many others. The No. 81 has been claimed by some notable names in Raiders history, from a linebacker, to a tight end, and to possibly the greatest Raiders receiver of all-time.
Over the course of franchise history, nine players have worn the number since 1960. Let’s take a look back at the history of the no. 81 in Silver and Black.
Alan Goldstein – 1960
In former coach Tom Flores’ rookie year as quarterback, he commanded the team on their way to a 6-8 record. The Raiders were a few years away from prominence, but they did feature some talented pieces.
In that year, former North Carolina Tar Heels wideout Alan Goldstein snagged 27 balls for 354 yards and a touchdown in his sole season wearing the no. 81 jersey.
Clancy Osborne – 1963 to1964
Arizona State linebacker Clancy Osborne sported several unconventional numbers for a linebacker during his five-season NFL career with three teams, including 31 and 33. But on the Raiders he sported the no. 81 for two seasons.
This could be seen as a metaphor for his good hands, snagging four interceptions in a two-year span.
Warren Wells – 1967 to 1970
Texas Southern wideout Warren Wells is just one in a long line of speedy receivers to wear the Silver and Black. Wells was a star on the Raiders during their later years in the AFL, averaging more than 20 yards per catch every season.
Wells’ career was unfortunately cut short, due to legal issues that caused him to miss the 1971 season.
Morris Bradshaw – 1974 to 1981
Buckeyes wideout Morris Bradshaw was taken by the Raiders in the 4th round of the 1974 NFL Draft. Bradshaw contributed over 1,300 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns in 8 seasons. His best season came in 1978, reeling in 40 catches for 552 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Bradshaw was a member of the Raiders 1976 and 1980 championship teams.
Andy Parker – 1984 to 1987; 1990
Utah tight end Andy Parker played five years over two stretches with the Los Angeles Raiders, switching from no. 81 to 85 before leaving the league in 1990. Parker notched just 6 catches for 41 yards in his Raiders career.
However, he was voted Special Teams Captain for the 1987 and 1988 seasons.
Greg Lathan – 1987
Cincinnati wideout Greg Lathan’s sole season in Silver and Black (1987) was also his only the league. Lathan notched 98 yards on 5 catches in three games.
Tim Brown – 1988 to 2003
Arguably the most decorated Raider of the last 30 years, wideout Tim Brown is a 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. The 9-time Pro Bowler leads the Raiders in several statistical categories, including receiving and punt return yards.
Brown was a bright spot during the ’90’s, as the Raiders trekked back to Oakland from Los Angeles and delivered several lackluster seasons under multiple quarterbacks.
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Chaz Schilens – 2008 to 2011
The Raiders drafted receiver Chaz Schilens in the 7th round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of San Diego State. Injuries derailed Schilens three-year tenure in Oakland, as he finished with 902 yards on 72 catches for 9 touchdowns.
Mychal Rivera – 2013 to 2016
Before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2017 offseason, tight end Mychal Rivera played four seasons for the Raiders. In that span, Rivera notched 1413 yards and 10 touchdowns on 146 receptions for the Silver and Black.