Pioneering Progress: The Raiders and HBCU Football

Pioneering Progress: The Raiders and HBCU Football

Las Vegas Raiders
25 Aug 2025, 22:30 GMT+

Mike Taylor

The Las Vegas Raiders have a rich history of recognizing and elevating HBCU talent, long before it became common in professional football. As one of the first NFL teams to actively scout and sign players from HBCUs, the Raiders provided a stage for some of the game's greatest athletes.

More than 80 players and coaches who have worn the Silver and Black hail from HBCUs. That list includes four members of the Pro Football Hall of FameGrambling alumnus Willie Brown, Jackson State alumnus Jackie Slater as well as Mississippi Valley State's Jerry Rice and Art Shell, who starred at Maryland Eastern Shore.

Come see present HBCU stars when Grambling State faces Jackson State in the Las Vegas HBCU Classic on October 25 at Allegiant Stadium. For information on tickets and travel packages, visitallegiantstadium.com/lvhbcuclassic.

Below is an all-time list of Raiders who attended HBCUs.

Players

Coaches

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