Countdown to 2020: Best Raiders player to wear No. 49 all-time
By BD Williams
Countdown to 2020: Best Raiders player to wear No. 49 all-time
Mike Siani (1972-1977)
Mike Siani was the Raiders first round pick in 1972, and despite the fact that he was a wide receiver, he wore No. 49 for the team, catching passes from Darlye Lamonica and Ken Stabler. He set Raiders rookie records for his contributions as a receiver in 1972 with total of 496 yards and five touchdowns, finishing 2nd to Franco Harris for Rookie of the Year honors.
Growing up in Staten Island, New York and attending Villanova University, Siani was one of the many east coast players to be drafted by the Raiders during this time period. That list includes all-time players like safety Jack Tatum from Passaic, New Jersey, and running back Mark van Eeghen from Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Injuries derailed Siani’s time in Silver and Black, and his first two year receiving totals would be by far his most productive seasons as a Raider. He totaled 2079 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in six seasons as a Raider. In retirement, Siani has joined a list of former players speaking out against the NFL’s treatment of veteran’s disability and insurance benefits.