We’ve reached 80 days until the Raiders season opener at Foxboro against the Patriots, With our countdown at 80 days we take a look at who currently dons the number in Silver & Black and who has brought it the most distinction.
No. 80Who’s wearing it now: TE Ian Thomas
This eighth year veteran has spent his entire career up to this point with the Carolina Panthers. He joins the Raiders as a solid number three tight end option behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. He’s a solid 6-4, 260 pounds with some decent hands but even better blocking and special teams abilities.
19. Jerry Rice, Oakland Raiders (2001)
Who wore it best: WR Jerry Rice
The GOAT joined the Raiders in 2001 at the age of 39. In his second season with the team, at the age of 40, he put up over 1200 yards receiving (1211), made his 13th career Pro Bowl and the Raiders were in the Super Bowl. In 54 games over four seasons in Oakland, Rice put up 243 catches for 3286 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Honorable Mention: TE Zach Miller
Miller was a second round pick by the Raiders in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played four seasons for the Raiders, making one Pro Bowl. He may have had more success except he joined the Raiders during some very bad years. This included two years of JaMarcus Russell and three years in which they couldn’t get more than five wins in a season.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders countdown to kickoff No. 80: Who wore it best, wearing it now