Raiders legend Pete Banaszak died at the age of 82, the team announced. A Wisconsin native and fifth-round pick out of the University of Miami in the 1966 AFL Draft, Banaszak spent his entire 13-year professional career with the organization.
Nicknamed "The Rooster," Banaszak holds the franchise single-season record with 16 rushing touchdowns set in 1975. He was a member of the Super Bowl XI championship team, scoring two touchdowns in the victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Banaszak also played a central role in the infamous "Holy Roller" game against the San Diego Chargers in 1978. After quarterback Ken Stabler fumbled the ball forward, Banaszak appeared to attempt a recovery before batting it further ahead, allowing tight end Dave Casper to fall on it in the end zone for the winning touchdown.
The Raiders released a statement offering condolences to Banaszak's wife, Sue, their daughters Rebecca and Amy, and their grandsons. The organization said his toughness, competitive spirit, and dedication embodied a legendary era of Raiders football and made him a cherished member of the Silver and Black.
Banaszak was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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