Oakland Raiders: Five Of The Greatest Running Backs In Team History
By Kevin Saito
Nov 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs former running back Marcus Allen attends the game between the Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1. Marcus Allen (1982-1992)
There is no comparison and no argument you can make that can be considered valid in the case. Marcus Allen is, to put it very simply, the greatest running back every to wear Silver and Black. And a compelling argument can be made that he’s one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
He followed up a Heisman winning college career by winning the NFL’s rookie of the year award in 1982. Allen added the Super Bowl MVP award the following season, and the season after that, he won the NFL MVP award.
Not only is Allen one of Oakland’s most highly decorated running backs, he’s also responsible for one of the most jaw dropping, mesmerizing, and iconic plays in NFL history. Facing Washington in Super Bowl XVIII, Allen took a handoff and finding himself sealed off, he completely reversed field, eluded several would be tacklers, and raced past and through the Washington defense for a 74-yard score.
That play was the beginning of the end for Washington, the defending Super Bowl champs, as the Raiders coasted to a crushing 38-9 win. It was a game in which Allen racked up 191 yards and secured his spot in Raiders lore.
Ever the ultimate team player, Allen even made room when Bo Jackson came aboard and began dazzling Raider fans – and the NFL – with his long, powerful runs.
Allen is still Oakland’s all time leading rusher with 8,545 yards on the ground, and is still the all time leader in touchdown scored with 79.