NFL: The best trade in each franchise’s history

Best trade in The Las Vegas Raiders history: Acquiring Willie Brown

Willie Brown is the epitome of never giving up. After going undrafted out of Grambling State in 1963, Brown latched on with the Denver Broncos. It didn’t take him to prove that everyone who passed him by in the draft was completely wrong. By his second season, Brown was already a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection as well.

Brown had a knack for knowing when the opposing QB was going to throw the ball and fast enough to get there before receivers could. After racking up 12 interceptions in three seasons in Denver, the Oakland Raiders came calling. They offered up defensive tackle Rex Mirich and a third-round pick and instantly got their man.

The dominant play he displayed in Denver carried over to Oakland as he made seven consecutive Pro Bowls. He also picked up four more All-Pro selections as well. His play helped lead Oakland to Super Bowl XL.

Brown was often considered the heart and soul of those dominant defenses and currently ranks in the top 25 all-time in terms of interceptions with 21 despite not playing on an NFL field for decades. To cap off an unbelievable career, Brown was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984, proving it isn’t about how you start but how you finish.