We’ve reached 51 days until the Raiders season opener at Foxboro against the Patriots, With our countdown at 51 days we take a look at who currently dons the number in Silver & Black and who has brought it the most distinction.
No. 51
Who’s wearing it now: DE Malcolm Koonce
Koonce enters his fifth year with the Raiders, fresh off a new one-year deal. At the end of the 2023 season, he had put up eight sacks in nine games and was projected to have a strong season in a contract year. But an injury ended his season before it began, causing him to miss the entire 2024 season. So, instead of the big long term deal he had hoped to be in line for this offseason, he got a decent payday of $12 million to run it back and try again for a long term deal next offseason.
Who wore it best: DE Lance Johnstone
Just like Koonce, Johnstone broke out in his third year with the Raiders. He put up consecutive double digit sack seasons in 1998 (11) and 1999 (10. In year five, his numbers dipped and the following March, he was released and signed by the Vikings. A couple years later, his numbers jumped up again to consecutive double digit seasons. After five seasons in Minnesota, he returned to Oakland for his final year, giving him 72 career sacks and 31 in six seasons with the Raiders.
