The Oakland Raiders organization announced the passing of Pete Banaszak, a former standout running back and a vital contributor to the franchise's first Super Bowl title, at the age of 82. Banaszak was a dedicated member of the team for 13 seasons.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Raiders expressed their profound sadness:
"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 team also acknowledged Banaszak's strong connection to his Polish roots, noting his induction into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. Their deepest sympathies were extended to his wife, Sue, daughters Rebecca and Amy, grandsons Luke, Austin, and Connor, and all other loved ones. A Wisconsin native, Banaszak was known for his fierce pride in his heritage.
A Distinguished Career with the Silver and Black
Throughout his career, Banaszak primarily served as a valuable reserve, starting only 36 of the 173 National Football League games he participated in. Despite this, he consistently capitalized on his opportunities, leaving an indelible mark on Raiders history during his more than a decade with the iconic Silver and Black. His final season with the Raiders was in 1978.
Banaszak's most impactful season came in 1975, his tenth year with the franchise. That year, he led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns and achieved a career-high 672 rushing yards. These 16 rushing scores still stand as a single-season record for the Raiders. He also played a pivotal role in the Raiders' Super Bowl XI triumph over the Minnesota Vikings, crossing the goal line twice. This victory secured the franchise's inaugural Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The Iconic 'Holy Roller' Play
Banaszak's name is also inextricably linked to one of the NFL's most memorable and controversial plays, famously dubbed the "Holy Roller." This dramatic event occurred in Week 2 of what would be his final professional season. With seconds dwindling and the Raiders trailing the San Diego Chargers 20-14, quarterback Ken Stabler appeared to be sacked and fumbled the ball. In a chaotic sequence, Banaszak recovered the loose ball and batted it forward. This unconventional maneuver allowed tight end Dave Casper to recover the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The subsequent extra point clinched an improbable 21-20 comeback victory for Oakland.
Pete Banaszak concluded his distinguished NFL career with impressive statistics, accumulating 3,772 rushing yards and 1,022 receiving yards. He scored a total of 52 regular-season touchdowns and added another six touchdowns during playoff appearances.
