Oakland Raiders: The Franchise’s All Time Starting Team

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fans cheer during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker – Phil Villapiano

The Raiders used the forty-fifth overall pick in the second round of the 1971 draft to take Villapiano, the Bowling Green product. And for nine seasons, he was a defensive stalwart for the club.

Villapiano won the AFC’s Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1971. He was All NFL in 1975 and 1976, and won All AFC honors from 1972-1976. He made four Pro Bowls, and had one of the key plays in Super Bowl XI – forcing a fumble on the goal line that was recovered by teammate Willie Hall – as the Raiders went on to win the game.

Villapiano is credited with 11 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries over his nine seasons with the Raiders.

Next: Cornerback