Oakland Raiders: 30 Iconic Moments In Franchise History

Dec 27, 2013; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders former cornerback Willie Brown at press conference at Oakland Raiders Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

8. January 9, 1977 – Old Man Willie Brown Ices The Super Bowl

With the Raiders already leading 26-7 in the second half of Super Bowl XI, veteran cornerback Willie Brown had an inkling of what Fran Tarkenton and the Minnesota Vikings were about to do. According to Brown, in the moments before the snap he said to safety Jack Tatum:

“Jack, cover my back because I am going to jump this. I know what this play is going to be. He said, ‘OK, I got ya.’”

Then, according to Brown, he moved over to linebacker Ted Hendricks and said: “Ted, you stay inside. Don’t worry about the outside because I am going to take it away and he said, ‘OK.’ And then I just sat on it.”

Brown was right and made one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. Tarkenton winged a pass for receiver Sammy White. Brown stepped in front of it, picking it off and taking it back the other way for a 75 yard pick six. The touchdown put the Raiders ahead 32-7 and put the game out of reach for Minnesota, giving the Raiders their first Super Bowl title.

Next: November 30, 1987