Running Back: Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson, Mark van Eeghen, Pete Banaszak
From a Super Bowl MVP, to a player whose star shined so bright that his injury is still one of the more cringe-worthy moments in team history, here are the four running backs on our Mount Rushmore.
Marcus Allen
When it comes to all-time running backs, Marcus Allen is in the discussion of being one of the best to ever do it. Allen was a first round pick of the Raiders back in 1982, and by the time he moved on to Kansas City, he had become a five-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl MVP, and the Most Valuable Player of the 1985 season.
Bo Jackson
One of the more legendary athletes in the history of sports, Bo Jackson‘s star burned bright during his time with the Raiders. Jackson has so many highlight reel runs, and despite making only one Pro Bowl in his NFL career, he averaged over 5.0 yards per carry. Had it not been for his hip injury, he would have been an all-time great.
Mark van Eeghen
Mark van Eeghen played for the Raiders from 1974-81, helping the team to two Super Bowl titles. The leading rusher in Super Bowl XV, by the time van Eeghen finished up his time with the team, he was the franchise’s all-time leading rusher (5,907), and etched his name in team history.
Pete Banaszak
Pete Banaszak was the Raiders fifth round pick in 1966, and helped the team to an AFL title back in 1967. The Rooster also played a big role in the team’s win in Super Bowl XI, scoring two touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings in the Raiders 32-14 win.