Legends Behind the Jerseys - 80's Football

The Raiders played in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994. In that period of time, they won a Super Bowl and a handful of playoff berths. As an Angeleno, we were subject to some of the best thrills and biggest heartaches while supporting the Raiders. But nevertheless, this professional football team that originated in Oakland, then moved to Los Angeles, then back to Oakland again, gave us some of the most memorable and revered players from the NFL days past.

BO JACKSON

Perhaps remembered for the Nike "Bo knows ..." commercials, Bo Jackson was an exciting and powerful running back in his days. He wore the number 34 jersey that are now valued by many retro football collectors. My favorite Bo Jackson moment has to be in the Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks when Bo collided head on with Brian Bosworth, a very arrogant linebacker. Bosworth was a highly touted player from Oklahoma and one of the highest paid defensive player at the time. Bo ramrodded through Bosworth on his way to a 221 yard performance.

MARCUS ALLEN

A local college hero becoming a local pro sports hero, Marcus Allen was a phenomenal running back for the USC Trojans as he became the first 2,000 yard rusher in one season for the NCAA. In 1981, he rushed for a season total of 2,342 yards and won the coveted Heismann Trophy. In 1982, he began his professional football career with the Los Angeles Raiders during a strike-shortened season. Nevertheless, he did so well that he won the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

What made Marcus Allen memorable was his uncanny ability to avoid tackle, making him the most dangerous runner within 5 yards of a first down or a goal line. My favorite Marcus Allen moment was during Super Bowl XVIII against the favored Washington Redskins. Marcus Allen made a 74 yard touchdown run that held as a Super Bowl record for the longest time. I recall how he "put on the moves" against the Redskin defenders, avoiding a few tackles and switching directions before breaking out into the open field. Marcus Allen was the MVP for that Super Bowl.

Unfortunately for us, the fans, Marcus Allen's bitter dispute with team owner, Al Davis, kept him sidelined during most of his prime running years. This dispute was well known among fans and made Al Davis one of the most hated figures in Los Angeles sports history.

HOWIE LONG

Now a respected sports analyst, Howie Long once wore the number 75 jersey in the Raiders' defensive line. He was first drafted as an Oakland Raider right before the move to Los Angeles and stayed with the team retiring in 1993. Considered as one of the best NFL defensive lineman ever, Howie Long appeared in eight Pro Bowls during his career. His defensive line teammates included Lyle Alzado, Greg Townsend, and Sean Jones. All tough guys, all notable players. My favorite Howie Long moments was not so much in any "real" game, but in a video game. Howie Long was one of the best defenders in Tecmo Bowl. Fast moving and hard hitting, I mostly chose him whenever I'm on defense.