Las Vegas Raiders: 15 most beloved fan favorites in franchise history
(1967-78). Willie Brown. 5. player. 28. . DB
Most beloved Raiders of all time: 5. Willie Brown
Grambling State alumnus Willie Brown went undrafted coming out of college, yet went on to become one of the best players in league history.
Signing as an undrafted free agent with the then-Houston Oilers, getting cut, signing with and working his way into a starting role with the Denver Broncos and then ultimately becoming a legend with the Raiders, Brown’s story is an incredible one.
By the time Brown was traded to the Raiders, he was already an AFL All-Star, a proven commodity. However, Brown exceeded all expectations in the next dozen years he spent with the team. Over those 12 seasons, Brown earned five AFL All-Star nominations, four Pro Bowl nominations, three All-AFL nominations and four All-NFL nominations.
Brown also won a Super Bowl with the Silver and Black in the 1976 season, recording a pick-six en route to defeating the Minnesota Vikings. In 154 games with the team, Brown recorded 39 interceptions, which is tied with Lester Hayes for most in franchise history.
The legendary cornerback is still involved with the franchise as a director of staff development and has spent the last several years announcing Raiders draft picks. Brown is still very loved by Raiders fans and still loves to be around the sport and franchise, even being almost 80 years old. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Brown is one of the best and most liked players in team history.