The Las Vegas Raiders are mourning the loss of a true legend. Pete Banaszak, the bruising running back who spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Silver and Black, passed away this week at the age of 82.
Banaszak, a fifth-round pick out of the University of Miami in the 1966 AFL Draft, quickly became a cornerstone of the Raiders' offense. Over 173 games—the most ever by a Raiders running back and fifth-most in franchise history—he rushed for 3,772 yards and 47 touchdowns. His 47 scores stood as the team's all-time record until Hall of Famer Marcus Allen surpassed it, and Banaszak still ranks second on that list.
But it was the 1975 season that truly defined his scoring prowess. Banaszak led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns that year, a single-season franchise record that remains untouched more than five decades later. That mark is a testament to his nose for the end zone and his relentless running style.
While Banaszak may not be a household name to casual fans, he etched his name into NFL lore with one of the most controversial plays in league history: the Holy Roller. In a 1978 game against the San Diego Chargers, with the Raiders trailing and time expiring, quarterback Ken Stabler fumbled the ball forward near the goal line. Banaszak, in a moment of quick thinking (or gamesmanship, depending on your view), swatted the ball further ahead, where tight end Dave Casper fell on it for the game-winning touchdown.
At the time, NFL rules prohibited intentionally fumbling forward, but officials ruled they couldn't determine Banaszak's intent. The touchdown stood, and the league was forced to change its rules the following offseason to prevent a repeat. The play remains one of the most debated and replayed moments in NFL regular-season history.
The Raiders organization released a heartfelt statement: “The Raiders Family mourns the passing of Pete Banaszak, whose toughness, competitive spirit, and dedication embodied a legendary era of Raiders football and made him a cherished member of the Silver and Black. The deepest condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Pete’s wife Sue, daughters Rebecca and Amy, grandsons Luke, Austin, and Connor, and all of his loved ones.”
Banaszak's impact extended beyond the field. He was a key contributor to the Raiders' Super Bowl XI championship team, and his gritty, blue-collar approach made him a fan favorite. His passing is a poignant reminder of the golden era of Raiders football, and his legacy will live on through the team's history and the memories of those who watched him play.
As the Raiders look toward the future, they'll do so without one of their all-time greats. But Pete Banaszak's spirit, embodied in that unforgettable play and his record-setting season, will forever be part of the Silver and Black's storied past.
