Former Raiders running back Pete Banaszak, a true legend for the Silver and Black, died Saturday at 82, the team announced. His passing marks the end of an era for one of the franchise’s most cherished members.
Banaszak’s Incredible Run
Banaszak bled Silver and Black his entire career, no doubt. The Raiders picked him up in the fifth round of the 1966 AFL Draft, and he stuck with the team all the way until he retired after the 1978 season. This guy was a workhorse, showing up in 173 regular-season games for them. And talk about making history: in 1975, Banaszak led the entire NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns, a single-season franchise record that, get this, still stands today! He also grabbed a Super Bowl XI ring, which was absolutely massive, marking the franchise’s very first Super Bowl championship. Plus, if you know your Raiders history, you know he played a central role in that wild “Holy Roller” play that’s still talked about.
A Raider to the Core
The Raiders Family put out a statement mourning his passing, saying his “toughness, competitive spirit, and dedication embodied a legendary era of Raiders football and made him a cherished member of the Silver and Black.” That says it all, right? He was the real deal. A Wisconsin native, Banaszak’s contributions were also recognized with his induction into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame back in 1990.
Pete Banaszak leaves behind his wife Sue, daughters Rebecca and Amy, and grandsons Luke, Austin, and Connor. His legacy for the Raiders, from that record-setting 1975 season to their first Super Bowl title, will absolutely live on.
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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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