Raiders: Ranking the top 5 running backs in franchise history
By Allen Settle
4. Clem Daniels, RB, Raiders
Here’s a blast from the past. Clem Daniels may not be a name many modern NFL fans recognize. However, he was an extremely productive member of the Raiders during his 1961-1967 stint with the franchise.
In fact, his 5,103 yards rank third in team history, with his 30 rushing touchdowns pacing him at sixth. Daniels was also a part of the pre-merger Oakland team that won the AFL championship in 1967. He also has an AFL MVP (1963) and four AFL All-Star team selections on his resume.
While the sport has changed considerably since Daniels’ prime, don’t sleep on the Raiders’ legend when you think about the top running backs in franchise history.
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3. Mark Van Eeghen, RB, Raiders
Mark van Eeghen has firmly cemented himself on the Mount Rushmore of Raiders’ running backs. His 5,907 rushing yards remain the second most any player has ever accumulated in silver and black. His 35 touchdowns are also tied with Zack Crockett for third in team history.
While Van Eehen’s counting numbers are enough to land him a spot in the top three on their own, his impact on the franchise goes far beyond the stat sheet.
The Colgate star was a part of the Raiders’ dominant stretch that saw the franchise win two Super Bowl championships (1976 and 1980). These titles, which were the first post-merger championships in team history, jettisoned the Raiders into their status as a truly history franchise.