Forty-three days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown continues through the franchise’s best players by jersey number.
Today, March 11, the number is 43.
George Atkinson, No. 43
George Atkinson, known as “Butch,” is the pick for No. 43 because he helped define the Raiders secondary during a full decade of winning football. From 1968-1977, he was a durable starter, a fearless hitter, and a consistent takeaway threat.
Atkinson played 138 games for the Raiders and started 126. He intercepted 30 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns, production that separates him for this number.
Why Atkinson gets No. 43
No. 43 has a few names, but Atkinson has the clearest combination of longevity, starts, and ball production. Thirty interceptions with the Raiders is the separator, and it came while he handled a heavy defensive workload every season.
He also stacked honors. Atkinson made two Pro Bowls, was a Super Bowl champion, and was named AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1968.
Draft and background
Atkinson was born Jan. 4, 1947, in Savannah, Ga. He played at Sol C. Johnson High School in Georgia before starring at Morris Brown.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the seventh round, 190th overall, in 1968. He turned that selection into a long, decorated run in Silver and Black.
Other notable No. 43s
- Lorenzo Lynch, 1996-1997
- Sam Seale, 1985-1987
- Elvis Patterson, 1990-1993
- Bob Coolbaugh, 1961
Career check
Atkinson’s Raiders resume checks every box for this countdown: 10 seasons, 126 starts, 30 interceptions, major awards, and a ring. For No. 43, the best Raider is George Atkinson.
Next up tomorrow: No. 42.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
