Site Tools


Sidebar

Index

Games
Opponents
People
Stadiums


About the Logbook


©2026, Erin Haight

Contact: raiderlogbook at gmail.com

1966_news

Table of Contents

1966 News

January 1, 1966

News

The Colts signed Missouri tackle Butch Allison, the Raiders' second-round pick of the 1966 draft.

The Packers signed Oakland's tenth-round pick, Nebraska tight end Tony Jeter.


January 2, 1966

January 3, 1966

News

Five Raiders were named to the AFL All-Star squad that would meet the league-champion Bills in the All-Star game later in the month: halfback Clem Daniels, guard Wayne Hawkins, center Jim Otto, wide receiver Art Powell, and cornerback Dave Grayson.


January 4, 1966

News

The Giants signed Oakland's 20th-round draft pick, Alabama fullback Steve Bowman.


January 5, 1966

January 6, 1966

News

Wide receiver Art Powell had to withdraw from the AFL All-Star squad because of a lingering Achilles tendon injury.


January 7, 1966

January 8, 1966

January 9, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders signed their 11th-round draft pick, LSU halfback Joe Labruzzo.


January 10, 1966

January 11, 1966

January 12, 1966

January 13, 1966

January 14, 1966

News

Rumor had it that at least one faction in the leadership of the AFL was plotting to fire commissioner Joe Foss. Raiders general manager Al Davis was suggested as his possible replacement, though Davis said “I'm not contemplating anything but coaching the Raider football team in 1966.”


January 15, 1966

January 16, 1966

January 17, 1966

Transactions

The expansion Miami Dolphins, who were slated to start play this fall, made their first selections in the allocation draft. Among those selections was Raiders quarterback Dick Wood.

The Raiders acquired halfback Hewritt Dixon in a trade with the Broncos for middle linebacker Arch Matsos.


January 18, 1966

Transactions

The Dolphins selected a second Raiders player in the AFL allocation draft, tackle Rich Zecher.


January 19, 1966

Transactions

The Dolphins made their final selections in the AFL allocation draft. Among their selections were a pair of Raiders: guard Ken Rice, and halfback/placekicker Gene Mingo.


January 20, 1966

January 21, 1966

January 22, 1966

January 23, 1966

January 24, 1966

January 25, 1966

January 26, 1966

News

Wide receiver Art Powell underwent successful surgery to repair an injury to his left Achilles tendon.


January 27, 1966

January 28, 1966

January 29, 1966

January 30, 1966

Transactions

The Bills completed the trade they made for halfback Bo Roberson last October by sending guard George Flint and defensive lineman Tom Keating to the Raiders.


January 31, 1966

February 1, 1966

February 2, 1966

February 3, 1966

News

Defensive back Joe Krakoski underwent successful nose surgery to repair a breathing problem he had endured last season.


February 4, 1966

February 5, 1966

February 6, 1966

February 7, 1966

February 8, 1966

February 9, 1966

February 10, 1966

February 11, 1966

February 12, 1966

February 13, 1966

February 14, 1966

February 15, 1966

February 16, 1966

February 17, 1966

February 18, 1966

February 19, 1966

February 20, 1966

February 21, 1966

February 22, 1966

February 23, 1966

February 24, 1966

February 25, 1966

February 26, 1966

February 27, 1966

February 28, 1966

March 1, 1966

News

The Raiders announced ticket prices for the team's inaugural season in the new Oakland Coliseum. Tickets for reserved sideline seats were $5.50 per game or $38.50 for the season. For reserved upper bowl seats in each end zone, the price was $4.50 for a single game or $31.50 for the season. General seating in the lower end zones were $3.00 per seat.

Transactions

The Raiders hired Bob Halford to be director of promotions sometime shortly before this date.


March 2, 1966

March 3, 1966

March 4, 1966

March 5, 1966

March 6, 1966

March 7, 1966

March 8, 1966

March 9, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders acquired quarterback Charlie Green from the Patriots for unspecified considerations. Green had spent most of the previous season on Boston's taxi squad.


March 10, 1966

March 11, 1966

March 12, 1966

March 13, 1966

March 14, 1966

March 15, 1966

March 16, 1966

March 17, 1966

March 18, 1966

March 19, 1966

March 20, 1966

March 21, 1966

March 22, 1966

March 23, 1966

March 24, 1966

March 25, 1966

March 26, 1966

March 27, 1966

March 28, 1966

March 29, 1966

March 30, 1966

Transactions

March 31, 1966

April 1, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders signed University of Arizona tackle Steve Mass, their third round pick in the 1965 AFL redshirt draft.


April 2, 1966

April 3, 1966

April 4, 1966

April 5, 1966

April 6, 1966

April 7, 1966

News

AFL commissioner Joe Foss resigned his position and the league offered his job to Raiders general manager/head coach Al Davis. Davis hadn't yet made a decision whether to accept.


April 8, 1966

News

Raiders general manager/head coach Al Davis accepted the AFL's offer to become the league's new commissioner, replacing Joe Foss. Scotty Stirling was tabbed to be the team's new general manager and offensive backfield coach John Rauch was their new head coach.


April 9, 1966

April 10, 1966

April 11, 1966

April 12, 1966

April 13, 1966

April 14, 1966

April 15, 1966

April 16, 1966

April 17, 1966

April 18, 1966

April 19, 1966

April 20, 1966

April 21, 1966

April 22, 1966

April 23, 1966

April 24, 1966

News

The American Football League announced their schedule. The Raiders were set to open their season on September 2 in Miami as the first regular season opponent of the expansion Dolphins. Their home opener was scheduled for September 18 against the Chiefs. The builders of the new Oakland Coliseum committed themselves to having the facility ready for use by that date.

The Raiders' season finale was slated for December 11 at home against the Broncos.


April 25, 1966

April 26, 1966

April 27, 1966

April 28, 1966

April 29, 1966

News

The Raiders announced that training camp for the 1966 season would open July 9 in Santa Rosa.


April 30, 1966

May 1, 1966

May 2, 1966

May 3, 1966

News

Raiders head of scouting Ron Wolf left the team to join Al Davis in the AFL commissioner's office as did team secretary Joanne Parker.


May 4, 1966

May 5, 1966

May 6, 1966

May 7, 1966

May 8, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders hired Stanford assistant Bill Walsh to be their offensive backfield coach, replacing John Rauch who was promoted to head coach in the wake of Al Davis's departure.


May 9, 1966

May 10, 1966

May 11, 1966

May 12, 1966

May 13, 1966

May 14, 1966

May 15, 1966

May 16, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders hired Biscayne College assistant athletic director Doug Hafner to be chief of their scouting department, replacing Ron Wolf, who took a job in the AFL commissioner's office.


May 17, 1966

May 18, 1966

May 19, 1966

May 20, 1966

May 21, 1966

May 22, 1966

May 23, 1966

News

The Raiders signed a contract with KEWB Radio to broadcast the team's games for the 1966 season. San Francisco Warriors broadcaster Bill King was hired to do the play-by-play, replacing Bob Blum, who was moving into a production role.

Transactions

Though it wouldn't be reported publicly for several days, the team signed Rams quarterback and former Raiders first-round draft pick Roman Gabriel to a three-year deal that would begin in the 1967 season after Gabriel played out his NFL option.


May 24, 1966

May 25, 1966

May 26, 1966

May 27, 1966

News

News broke that quarterback Roman Gabriel had signed a contract with the Raiders for the 1967 season, though Gabriel was less than forthcoming about the matter. The NFL disputed the veracity of the deal and the Raiders issued a threat to sue to enforce the pact.

Transactions

Guard Bob Mischak announced his retirement from pro football to take an assistant coaching job at West Point.


May 28, 1966

May 29, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders signed ex-Steelers and -Redskins free agent guard John Nisby.


May 30, 1966

May 31, 1966

June 1, 1966

June 2, 1966

News

Ed Schoenfeld of the Tribune reported that “several big-name stars of the National Football League (had) contacted the Oakland Raiders, shopping for jobs in the past several days.” Schoenfeld didn't name names, but this was consistent with other reports of players trying to exploit the escalating war between the leagues.


June 3, 1966

News

George Ross of the Tribune reported that two unnamed NFL teams were trying to convince Raiders center Jim Otto to play out his option and sign a contract with them for the 1967 season.


June 4, 1966

June 5, 1966

June 6, 1966

June 7, 1966

News

The American and National football leagues announced they had agreed to a merger. The first fruits of that merger would be an inter-league championship game in January 1967, followed by a common draft of college players and interleague preseason games in the summer of 1967. A full merger of the two leagues would be completed by the 1970 season.


June 8, 1966

News

It was reported that, prior to the AFL/NFL merger agreement, the 49ers had tried to include provisos that would give them some control over the Raiders franchise, including approval of the Raiders' playing schedule and control of which NFL teams the Raiders would be allowed to play if the Oakland team wasn't relocated outright, and the playing of some 49ers home games in the Oakland Coliseum.


June 9, 1966

News

Raiders general manager Scotty Stirling said that, despite the just-announced merger between the AFL and NFL, the team would still defend their signing of quarterback Roman Gabriel.


June 10, 1966

June 11, 1966

June 12, 1966

June 13, 1966

June 14, 1966

June 15, 1966

June 16, 1966

June 17, 1966

June 18, 1966

June 19, 1966

June 20, 1966

June 21, 1966

June 22, 1966

June 23, 1966

June 24, 1966

June 25, 1966

June 26, 1966

June 27, 1966

June 28, 1966

June 29, 1966

June 30, 1966

July 1, 1966

News

Defensive end Ben Davidson was in the hospital recovering from an emergency appendectomy. He was expected to be able to go home tomorrow.

The Raiders hired longtime local radio personality Van Amburg to provide color alongside Bill King on team broadcasts during the 1966 season.


July 2, 1966

July 3, 1966

July 4, 1966

July 5, 1966

July 6, 1966

Transactions

The team signed a pair of free agents: ex-Chargers wide receiver Jerry Robinson and Florida A&M rookie wide receiver Ron Bliey.


July 7, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders signed free agent linebacker Richard Jackson. He had been in camp with the team last season before being released because of injury.

They also signed free agent defensive end John Henry. Henry had previously spent tine on the Bills' taxi squad.


July 8, 1966

News

Former Raiders halfback Dick Christy died at the age of 31 in a car crash in Chester, Pennsylvania.


July 9, 1966

News

Training camp opened in Santa Rosa for first- and second-year players.


July 10, 1966

July 11, 1966

News

The coaching staff were giving halfback Rodger Bird a tryout on defense at cornerback.


July 12, 1966

Transactions

Tackle Frank Youso retired from pro football. Defensive end John Henry and halfback Joe Labruzzo left training camp voluntarily.

The Raiders signed Oklahoma free agent tight end John Flynn on or before this date.


Injury Updates

Flynn pulled a hamstring in practice.

July 13, 1966

Transactions

Defensive tackle John Diehl and linebacker Dick Hermann retired from pro football.

The Raiders signed their fifth-round pick from the 1965 AFL redshirt draft, guard Bob Taylor from the University of Cincinnati, and Brigham Young free agent wide receiver Bruce Smith.

Injury Updates

Defensive lineman Carleton Oats left practice after taking a blow to the head in the first scrimmage of training camp.


July 14, 1966

News

Three veterans did not report to training camp: wide receiver Art Powell, halfback Clem Daniels, and fullback Alan Miller. Powell and Daniels announced they were holding out while negotiating a satisfactory contract while Miller remained in his hometown of Milwaukee attending to matters related to his legal practice. The Raiders said each player would be fined $50 for each day of camp they missed.

Powell said he was looking for a three-year, no-cut $50,000 contract and had also requested the team trade him.

Injury Updates

Two players suffered leg injuries in practice: tight end Tom Mitchell (pulled muscle) and wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff (bruised thigh).


July 15, 1966

July 16, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders signed Louisiana College linebacker Dennis Duncan. He had been the team's 12th round pick in the 1965 AFL redshirt draft and had played for the CFL Toronto Argonauts last season.

They also signed Grambling free agent cornerback Lawrence Chambers on or before this date.


July 17, 1966

July 18, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders hired former linebacker Clancy Osborne to coach the positon during training camp.

The team also invited former Stanford left-footed placekicker Braden Beck to camp for a tryout.

Tight end Ken Herock left camp voluntarily.


July 19, 1966

News

The Raiders signed a 20-year lease to play their home games in the Oakland Coliseum. The actual terms of the deal included a five-year lease with an option for three further five-year deals. The cost to the team annually for regular season games was $3,500 per game or 7.5% of the gross revenue for the first $1.5 million and 10% thereafter. Cost for preseason games was $2,500 per contest. The Coliseum was to keep all concessions revenue.

Wide receiver Art Powell and halfback Clem Daniels announced they had hired local attorney Ray Bolton to represent them in contract negotiations with the team. They were each asking for identical three-year, no-cut $50,000 deals.

Injury Updates

Wide receiver Ron Bliey left practice with a split lip that required nine stitches to close.

Transactions

Tight end Ken Herock, who left training camp yesterday, announced his retirement from pro football. The team moved Pervis Atkins to tight end to replace him in the depth chart. Later in the evening, Herock had second thoughts and unretired, returning to camp.

The team hired Bob Orr of the University of California as an assistant trainer during camp.

Guard Bob Taylor voluntarily left training camp.


July 20, 1966

July 21, 1966

News

The coaches moved safety Loren Hawley to wide receiver and John Flynn from tight end to cornerback.

Injury Updates

Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff (bruised thigh) was back at practice.


July 22, 1966

News

The AFL fined rookie guard Richard Tyson $250 for not reporting to the College All-Star team for practice.

Transactions

The team announced the signing of defensive back Willie Williams. The exact date of the signing was not revealed, but the original intent had been for Williams to play out his option with the Giants in 1966 and join the Raiders in 1967. When the Giants caught wind of the deal, they cut him, and the Raiders invited him to join them for training camp this season.


July 23, 1966

Transactions

The team waived linebacker Dennis Duncan, then released him once he had cleared waivers.

Injury Updates

Tight end Pervis Atkins missed camp with a fever. Other absentees were: defensive back Howie Williams (shoulder), tight end Tom Mitchell (pulled thigh muscle), defensive end Ben Davidson (appendectomy), cornerback Lawrence Chambers (wrist) and guard John Nisby (earache).


July 24, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders signed ex-Chargers free agent cornerback Dick Harris.

Injury Updates

Defensive back Howie Williams was back at practice after missing a few days with a shoulder injury.


July 25, 1966

News

The coaches moved Steve Mass from defensive end to left tackle behind Bob Svihus.

Injury Updates

Tight end Tom Mitchell was back at practice after missing time with a hamstring pull.


July 26, 1966

Injury Updates

Guard Wayne Hawkins broke his left hand in practice, requiring a cast. His availability for practice in the coming days was uncertain.

Guard John Nisby was practicing again after missing a few days with an earache.


July 27, 1966

News

After an absence of almost two weeks because of contract negotiations, halfback Clem Daniels and wide receiver Art Powell reported to training camp, though neither had yet signed a contract. A third absentee, fullback Alan Miller, was reportedly on his way from Milwaukee, where he had been trying to decide between continuing his football career or devoting himself full time to his law practice.


July 28, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders released linebacker John Flynn.


July 29, 1966

Injury Updates

Center Jim Otto suffered a right knee injury during a scrimmage in practice. The injury was deemed to be minor, but his availability for the preseason opener in Houston against the Oilers on August 2 was uncertain.


July 30, 1966

Injury Updates

Center Jim Otto was disgnosed with a strained right knee and was ruled out for the preseason opener against Houston on August 2. It would mark the first time in Raiders history, preseason or regular season.

Defensive end Ben Davidson was at practice for the first time all season after recovering from an emergency appendectomy a month ago.

Rookie defensive back Lawrence Chambers was back at practice a couple of weeks earlier than expected after undergoing surgery for a dislocated wrist last week.

Transactions

The Raiders hired Bob Bestor as a public relations assistant sometime on or before this date.


July 31, 1966

News

Wide receiver Art Powell and halfback Clem Daniels left training camp after negotiations for a 1966 contract for each player failed to come to fruition. General manager Scotty Stirling said the negotiations were now at and end and the team was prepared to move on without either of them in the coming season.

Despite reports a week ago that fullback Alan Miller was en route to camp from his Milwaukee home, he still hadn't made an appearance.


August 1, 1966

August 2, 1966

News

In the preseason opener for both teams, the Oilers beat the Raiders, 26-17, in Houston.

Injury Updates

For the first time in the team's history, center Jim Otto (knee) did not play.

Guard John Nisby injured his Achilles tendon in the game and his status moving forward was uncertain.

Fullbacks Hewritt Dixon and Pete Banaszak were also hurt in the game, but they weren't expected to miss the next game, against the Chargers on the 13th. Defensive lineman Carleton Oats suffered a pinched nerve in his neck and left the game.


August 3, 1966

Injury Updates

Guard John Nisby underwent surgery for what turned out to be a complete rupture of his Achilles tendon suffered in the Oilers game on the 2nd. He was likely to be done for the year.


August 4, 1966

Transactions

August 5, 1966

August 6, 1966

August 7, 1966

News

Rookie halfback Rodger Bird reported to camp following the end of his stint with the College All-Star team.

Head coach John Rauch moved rookie Greg Kent from defensive tackle to offensive left tackle, backing up Bob Svihus. Rex Mirich was switched to right tackle behind Harry Schuh.

Transactions

After an extended holdout, fullback Alan Miller announced his retirement from pro football to concentrate on his legal career.

The Raiders signed San Diego State linebacker Ray Schmautz, their eighth-round pick in the 1966 AFL redshirt draft. He had planned to play with the Aztecs this fall, but the NCAA ruled he had used up his college eligibility.


August 8, 1966

News

Wide receiver Art Powell and running back Clem Daniels ended their holdouts and reported to camp. Each signed a contract for the 1966 season that included an unspecified, but “substantial”, raise over last year's salary.

Transactions

The Raiders released defensive back Dick Harris.


August 9, 1966

News

Head coach John Rauch said the team would try right guard Wayne Hawkins on the left side against the Chargers on the 13th.


August 10, 1966

August 11, 1966

News

Former Raiders head coach/general manager and AFL commissioner Al Davis returned to the team in the role of managing general partner. Joining Ed McGah and Wayne Valley in the general partnership, Davis said he would exert his authority from there rather than reclaim a general manager or head coach role.

After announcing the switch of Wayne Hawkins from right guard to left guard a couple of days ago, head coach John Rauch named George Flint the starter at right guard for the game against the Chargers on the 13th.

Transactions

The Raiders released wide receivers Ron Bliey and Bruce Smith.


August 12, 1966

August 13, 1966

News

Tom Flores connected with Art Powell on a 19-yard touchdown pass with under a minute to play to put the Raiders over the top in a 14-7 preseason win against the Chargers in San Diego.

Injury Updates

Cotton Davidson started the game at quarterback, but suffered a rib injury on the Raiders' first offensive snap and did not return. Guard Wayne Hawkins aggravated a mild back injury and did not play the second half. Both players were expected to be able to play in the next game, against the Patriots on the 20th.

Center Jim Otto (knee) returned to the lineup after missing his first game ever as a pro against the Oilers on the 2nd.


August 14, 1966

August 15, 1966

August 16, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders trimmed six players from their roster: fullback Alan Miller, placekicker Braden Beck, defensive back Loren Hawley, defensive tackle Pat Russ, defensive back Lawrence Chambers, and linebacker Dick Hermann.


August 17, 1966

August 18, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders signed ex-49ers taxi squad quarterback Rod Dowhower.


August 19, 1966

August 20, 1966

News

In the first half of a rare pro football doubleheader, the Raiders fell to the Patriots, 21-10, in Anaheim.


August 21, 1966

August 22, 1966

News

Defensive tackle Dave Costa, unhappy with his limited playing time in preseason games, asked the Raiders to trade him.

Transactions

Defensive back Claude Gibson retired from pro football. Tight end Ken Herock also left camp, for the second time in as many months, but made no formal statement regarding his future in the game though it was clear he was unhappy about his role on the team.


August 23, 1966

News

Guard Marv Marinovich left training camp voluntarily, citing a lack of playing time.


August 24, 1966

August 25, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders waived a pair of players: linebacker Clifton Kinney, and linebacker Ray Schmautz. Upon clearing waivers, Schmautz was placed on the taxi squad.


August 26, 1966

August 27, 1966

August 28, 1966

News

In their final preseason contest, the Raiders beat the Broncos, 52-21, in Denver. Oakland closed out the exhibition schedule with a 3-2 record.

Injury Updates

Guard George Flint suffered a knee injury in the game, requiring surgery, and would be out for most, if not all, of the upcoming season.


August 29, 1966

August 30, 1966

News

With George Flint set to miss most of the season rehabbing from a knee injury, head coach John Rauch tabbed rookie Jim Harvey to start at right guard for the season opener against the Dolphins on September 2. Rauch also planned to start Dan Conners over Bill Budness at middle linebacker.

Transactions

The Raiders placed wide receiver Bill Miller and halfback Dave Alexander on waivers. They also placed tight end Ken Herock and guard George Flint on the reserve list. Herock had left camp several days ago and his return to pro football was uncertain.


August 31, 1966

September 1, 1966

News

Head coach John Rauch said he would start Cotton Davidson at quarterback ahead of Tom Flores in tomorrow night's game against the Dolphins in Miami.


September 2, 1966

News

In the Dolphins' regular-season franchise debut, Miami's Joe Auer took the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, but the Raiders came back with ten second-quarter points and earned a 23-14 win in Miami.

Rookie running back Pete Banaszak missed the game, having been called to take a physical for potential military service.

Injury Updates

New linebacker Bill Laskey suffered what was deemed a “mild” concussion and wasn't expected to miss next week's game against the Oilers. Other players with aches and pains from the game were guard Wayne Hawkins, who was shaken up at one point, and middle linebacker Dan Conners who missed a few plays with a muscle cramp in his foot.

Transactions

Before the game, the Raiders conducted two separate trades with the Bills. In the first, they traded their sixth-round pick in the 1967 draft for linebacker Bill Laskey. Then they re-acquired the draft pick by sending defensive tackle Dave Costa to Buffalo.

Also before the game, the team placed defensive back Willie Williams on waivers and activated guard Richard Tyson.


September 3, 1966

September 4, 1966

September 5, 1966

September 6, 1966

News

Rookie running back Pete Banaszak informed the team that he had failed a physical examination given by the US military and would rejoin the team as soon as possible.

Transactions

The Raiders signed free agent NFL veteran guard Palmer Pyle.


September 7, 1966

September 8, 1966

September 9, 1966

September 10, 1966

News

The Raiders fell to the Oilers, 31-0, in Houston.

Injury Updates

Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff suffered a severe cut to his right cheek just below the eye in the first half. The subsequent swelling closed his eye and forced him out of the game for the duration. Biletnikoff's understudy Larry Todd injured his back in the game, too. Neither of them were certain to play in next week's Coliseum debut against the Chiefs. Defensive back Joe Krakoski also left the game with an unspecified injury.

Transactions

Prior to the game, the Raiders activated recently-acquired guard Palmer Pyle and linebacker Ray Schmautz. In a corresponding move, the team waived tackle Greg Kent and linebacker Richard Jackson.


September 11, 1966

September 12, 1966

Transactions

Quarterback Rod Dowhower retired from pro football sometime prior to this date.


September 13, 1966

September 14, 1966

September 15, 1966

September 16, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders released placekicker/punter Mike Mercer and replaced him by signing Mike Eischeid. Eischeid had spent some time with the Bears and the Vikings on their taxi squads, but had yet to perform in a regular season pro game.

Injury Updates

Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff and defensive back Joe Krakoski were both back at practice after missing some time following injuries in last week's game against the Oilers.


September 17, 1966

News

The Raiders, in their Oakland Coliseum debut, fell to the Chiefs, 32-10. The Chiefs scored 22 unanswered points in the win.

Transactions

The team activated wide receiver Bill Miller before the game to replace Fred Biletnikoff, who was still not ready for game duty with a facial injury. Miller would back up Larry Todd at the position.

They also activated defensive back Willie Williams and placed defensive back Joe Krakoski and guard Richard Tyson on the injury deferred list with pulled groin muscles.


September 18, 1966

September 19, 1966

September 20, 1966

September 21, 1966

September 22, 1966

September 23, 1966

September 24, 1966

News

The coaching staff moved Palmer Pyle into the starting right guard position ahead of Jim Harvey.


September 25, 1966

News

The Chargers beat the Raiders, 29-20, at the Oakland Coliseum.

Injury Updates

Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff (eye) played, but did not start.

Safety Howie Williams twisted his right ankle during the contest and quarterback Tom Flores left the game with a rib injury.

Cornerback Kent McCloughan played despite coming down with the flu.


September 26, 1966

September 27, 1966

September 28, 1966

September 29, 1966

September 30, 1966

October 1, 1966

October 2, 1966

October 3, 1966

October 4, 1966

October 5, 1966

News

Head coach John Rauch announced that Tom Flores would make his first start of the season at quarterback against the Dolphins on the 9th. He also said Tom Mitchell would start at tight end and Jim Harvey would be back at right guard.

Injury Updates

Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff (eye) was also recovered sufficiently to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup.


October 6, 1966

October 7, 1966

October 8, 1966

News

The coaches said Dan Conners would start at middle linebacker against the Dolphins tomorrow in place of Bill Budness, who was nursing an injured ankle.


October 9, 1966

News

The Raiders earned their first Oakland Coliseum win by beating the Dolphins, 21-10.


October 10, 1966

October 11, 1966

October 12, 1966

News

Quarterback Tom Flores was named the Associated Press AFL Player of the Week for his three-touchdown performance against the Dolphins on the 9th.


October 13, 1966

October 14, 1966

October 15, 1966

News

Tackle Greg Kent missed the team's charter flight to Kansas City and would be fined an undisclosed amount.

Transactions

The Raiders activated safety Joe Krakoski off the injured deferred list and waived wide receiver Bill Miller.

Guard Richard Tyson and linebacker Richard Jackson were assigned to the taxi squad and their services were loaned to Richmond in the Continental League.


October 16, 1966

News

The Raiders beat the Chiefs, 34-13, in Kansas City.

Transactions

Linebacker Bill Laskey left the game with a concussion.


October 17, 1966

October 18, 1966

October 19, 1966

News

Defensive tackle Tom Keating was named the Associated Press AFL Defensive Player fo the Week for his performance against the Chiefs on the 16th.


October 20, 1966

October 21, 1966

October 22, 1966

October 23, 1966

News

Hewritt Dixon scored from a yard out with two seconds left to lift the Raiders to a 24-21 win over the Jets in New York.


October 24, 1966

October 25, 1966

October 26, 1966

News

Head coach John Rauch announced that Hewritt Dixon was promoted to starting fullback over Roger Hagberg.


October 27, 1966

October 28, 1966

October 29, 1966

October 30, 1966

News

The Patriots beat the Raiders, 24-21, in Boston.

Injury Updates

Quarterback Tom Flores was “knocked cold” in the first quarter by Boston's Bob Dee and Larry Eisenhauer after releasing a pass. No penalty was called on the play and Cotton Davidson finished the contest under center for Oakland.

Defensive back Willie Williams suffered a “minor sprain” in his right ankle.


October 31, 1966

November 1, 1966

November 2, 1966

November 3, 1966

News

Head coach John Rauch said quarterback Tom Flores was sufficiently recovered from the concussion he suffered in the Patriots game on the October 30th to start against the Oilers on November 6.


November 4, 1966

November 5, 1966

November 6, 1966

News

The Raiders beat the Oilers, 38-23, at the Oakland Coliseum.

Wide receiver Art Powell complained about the lack of passes thrown his way and said he “couldn't play another season here.”

Transactions

Before the game, the team placed defensive back Willie Williams (ankle) on the injured list and activated tackle Greg Kent from the taxi squad.

Injury Updates

Safety Howie Williams was knocked woozy in the first half and was replaced by Rodger Bird.


November 7, 1966

November 8, 1966

November 9, 1966

November 10, 1966

News

The Raiders' first head coach Eddie Erdelatz died at the age of 53 during emergency surgery to stop internal hemorrhaging. He had recently received a diagnosis of stomach cancer and had undergone surgery to treat it earlier in the month. His doctors had been cautiously optimistic about his prospects prior to his death.


November 11, 1966

November 12, 1966

November 13, 1966

News

The Raiders beat the Chargers, 41-19, in San Diego.

Injury Updates

Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff suffered a knee injury late in the game and did not return.

Linebacker Ray Schmautz left the game after taking a knee to the back and linebacker JR Williamson also left the game after a blow to the head.


November 14, 1966

November 15, 1966

News

Wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff underwent surgery to repair ligament damage in his left knee and would miss the rest of the season. Larry Todd would take his place in the starting lineup.


November 16, 1966

November 17, 1966

Transactions

The Raiders placed wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff on injured reserve following knee surgery two days ago. They also placed linebacker Ray Schmautz (back) on the injured list. The team then activated wide receiver Bill Miller and linebacker Richard Jackson from the taxi squad.


November 18, 1966

November 19, 1966

November 20, 1966

News

The Raiders beat the Broncos, 17-3, in Denver.

Injury Updates

Safety Howie Williams suffered a pulled thigh muscle in the contest.


November 21, 1966

November 22, 1966

November 23, 1966

November 24, 1966

News

In a Thanksgiving Day contest, the Raiders lost to the Bills, 31-10, in the Oakland Coliseum.

Prior to the game, cornerback Kent McCloughan had been named AFL Defensive Player of the Week by the Associated Press for his performance in a win over the Broncos on the 20th.

Injury Updates

Safety Howie Williams (thigh) sat out the game.

During the contest, linebacker JR Williamson received a poke in the left eye, causing significant swelling. He was expected to be ready to play in next week's game against the Chiefs.

Fullback Hewritt Dixon hurt his knee and played sparingly thereafter.


November 25, 1966

November 26, 1966

News

Bob Valli of the Tribune reported dissension in the locker room, saying that, facing a 17-10 deficit versus the Bills on the 24th, a number of players accused some of their teammates had already given up.


November 27, 1966

News

Head coach John Rauch refuted yesterday's report in the Tribune that the team had given up by halftime in the loss to the Bills.

The Chiefs beat the Jets, 32-24, in New York, eliminating the Raiders from contention in the AFL Western Division.


November 28, 1966

Injury Updates

Fullback Hewritt Dixon (knee) and safety Howie Williams (thigh) were cleared to play against the Jets on December 3.


November 29, 1966

November 30, 1966

December 1, 1966

December 2, 1966

December 3, 1966

News

Emerson Boozer scored on a 47-yard draw play and George Sauer caught a pass from Joe Namath for a two-point conversion with 53 seconds left to give the Jets a 28-28 tie with the Raiders at the Oakland Coliseum.

Injury Updates

Linebacker JR Williamson left the game in the first quarter with a torn tendon in his left ankle and was replaced by Bill Laskey.

Middle linebacker Dan Conners left in the fourth quarter with leg cramps and a knee injury.


December 4, 1966

December 5, 1966

December 6, 1966

News

Middle linebacker Dan Conners was named the Associated Press AFL Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Jets on the 3rd.


December 7, 1966

News

Wide receiver Art Powell went to the hospital with severe stomach pain in the evening.


December 8, 1966

News

Wide receiver Art Powell missed practice after taking himself to the hospital last night to treat stomach pain.


December 9, 1966

News

Wide receiver Art Powell was back at practice following hospitalization for stomach pain two days ago.

Halfback Clem Daniels, guard Wayne Hawkins, center Jim Otto, and cornerback Dave Grayson were named to an AFL All-Star team as voted by NBC television announcers.


December 10, 1966

Injury Updates

Linebacker JR Williamson was placed on injury waivers after suffering an ankle injury against the Jets on the 3rd. Bill Laskey would take his place in the lineup.

Bill Budness was returned to the starting lineup, replacing Dan Conners, who left last week's game with a knee injury.


Transactions

The Raiders activated Ray Schmautz from the injured list.

December 11, 1966

News

The Raiders beat the Broncos, 28-10, at the Oakland Coliseum. They finished the season with an 8-5-1 record, good for second place in the AFL Western Division.

The team set a new home attendance record, recording 253,255 seats filled in their new facility.


December 12, 1966

December 13, 1966

December 14, 1966

News

John Rauch was named Western Division head coach in next month's AFL All-Star Game, to be played in Oakland.


December 15, 1966

News

Wide receiver Art Powell, center Jim Otto, halfback Clem Daniels, and cornerback Dave Grayson were named to The Sporting News All-AFL first team, as voted on by the players. Guard Wayne Hawkins, defensive tackle Tom Keating, and cornerback Kent McCloughan earned second team honors.


December 16, 1966

News

Wide receiver Art Powell, guard Wayne Hawkins, center Jim Otto, halfback Clem Daniels, defensive tackle Tom Keating, and cornerbacks Dave Grayson and Kent McCloughan were all named to the Western Division squad for next month's AFL All-Star Game in Oakland.

The Packers signed Oakland's second-round pick in the 1966 AFL redshirt draft, University of Maryland guard Tom Cichowski.


December 17, 1966

December 18, 1966

December 19, 1966

News

Halfback Clem Daniels and cornerback Kent McCloughan were named to the Associated Press All-AFL first team. Named to the second team were wide receiver Art Powell, guard Wayne Hawkins, center Jim Otto, defensive tackle Tom Keating, and cornerback Dave Grayson.


December 20, 1966

News

The Newspaper Enterprise Assocation named their All-AFL squads as voted on by the coaches. Guard Wayne Hawkins, center Jim Otto, halfback Clem Daniels, defensive tackle Tom Keating, and cornerback Dave Grayson made the first team. Wide receiver Art Powell and cornerback Kent McCloughan were named to the second team.


December 21, 1966

December 22, 1966

December 23, 1966

December 24, 1966

December 25, 1966

December 26, 1966

December 27, 1966

December 28, 1966

December 29, 1966

News

United Press International named their All-AFL teams. On the first team were center Jim Otto, guard Wayne Hawkins, halfback Clem Daniels, and cornerback Kent McCloughan. On the second team were wide receiver Art Powell, defensive tackle Tom Keating, and cornerback Dave Grayson.


December 30, 1966

December 31, 1966

1966_news.txt · Last modified: 2026/01/12 19:41 by ehaight