The countdown to the new NFL season by Raiders Wire recently highlighted jersey numbers 22 and 21, focusing on their significance within the history of the Raiders.
Currently, No. 22 is worn by cornerback Eric Stokes, one of the key free agent signings for the team during the offseason. Stokes, a former first-round pick who played his first four seasons with Green Bay, has been named a starter as part of a reworked secondary in Las Vegas.
Historically, No. 22 is most associated with Michael Haynes. Haynes joined the Raiders in 1983 after an established career with New England and contributed immediately by starting all three playoff games that led to a Super Bowl XVIII victory. During his time in Silver & Black, he made three more Pro Bowls and finished his 14-year NFL career split between the Patriots and Raiders. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
No player currently wears No. 21 for the Raiders. The number is best remembered for wide receiver Cliff Branch, who spent his entire 14-year career with the franchise. At retirement, Branch held the record for most playoff receiving yards in league history until surpassed by Jerry Rice. Branch twice led the NFL in receiving touchdowns, was selected for four Pro Bowls, and played a role in all three Super Bowl wins during his tenure with the team. After retiring in 1985, longtime owner Al Davis attempted to find another player like Branch but was unsuccessful. Branch was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022 posthumously.
An honorable mention was given to Nnamdi Asomugha at No. 21 as well. Asomugha transitioned from college safety to professional cornerback after being drafted by Oakland in 2003 and developed into a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro before leaving for Philadelphia later in his career.
The article originally appeared on Raiders Wire.
