Pete Banaszak, Raiders Super Bowl XI Champion, Dies at 82
The former running back led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1975 and was a key offensive player for the Raiders' historic championship team.
Pete Banaszak, a pivotal running back for the Oakland Raiders and a Super Bowl XI champion, has died at the age of 82. Banaszak was recognized for his toughness and competitive spirit throughout his 13-year career with the Raiders.
Banaszak achieved a career-high in 1975, leading the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns. This accomplishment remains a single-season franchise record. He also scored two touchdowns in the Raiders' victory in Super Bowl XI, marking a significant contribution to the team's first Super Bowl title during the 1976 season.
The Raiders organization expressed their sorrow, stating, "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."
Banaszak played his entire professional career with the Raiders after being selected in the fifth round of the 1966 AFL Draft from the University of Miami. During his tenure, he played in 173 regular-season games and was a central figure in the notable "Holy Roller" play.
Born in Crivitz, Wisconsin, Banaszak was a standout athlete in high school in football, basketball, and track and field, also winning a state championship in the discus. He continued his athletic career at the University of Miami on a football scholarship, where he was named the team's most valuable player as a senior and made the dean's list.
Beyond his football career, Banaszak was involved in business, working in transportation and owning an oil bulk plant in his hometown. He also held other land interests in Wisconsin and Florida. After retiring from football, he worked for Crowley Maritime and co-hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars' postgame radio show, "The Fifth Quarter," in the early 2000s.
Banaszak was inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and was proud of his Polish heritage. He is survived by his wife, Sue, their daughters Rebecca and Amy, and grandsons Luke, Austin, and Connor.