Raiders Announce Death of Super Bowl Champion Pete Banaszak

The Las Vegas Raiders announced that former running back Pete Banaszak has died at 82, remembering him as a valued member of the team. The announcement did not state a cause of death. Banaszak played 13 seasons with the Raiders and scored two touchdowns in their 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. The January 1977 win gave the franchise its first Super Bowl championship. Banaszak’s touchdowns helped Oakland build its lead in the game. The Wisconsin native joined Oakland after the team selected him in the fifth round of the 1966 AFL Draft. He became a dependable option in short-yardage and goal-line situations under coach John Madden, often contributing as a reserve. In 173 NFL games, he made 36 starts, according to the team account. His strongest statistical season came in 1975, when he rushed for 672 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Raiders identify the touchdown total as a franchise single-season record. He retired after the 1978 season. Banaszak also figured in the Raiders’ 1978 “Holy Roller” play against the San Diego Chargers. With Oakland trailing late in the game, quarterback Ken Stabler fumbled the ball. Banaszak recovered it and batted it forward,...