Forty-one 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 13, the number is 41.
Phil Villapiano, No. 41
Phil Villapiano, known as “Foo,” is the pick for No. 41 because he was a defining linebacker of the Raiders 1970s rise and a key piece of a championship defense. From 1971-1979, Villapiano brought energy, range, and a relentless motor that fit the Raiders identity.
Villapiano played 118 games for the Raiders and started 117. He produced 11 interceptions for 160 yards, including a touchdown, and added 15.0 sacks during his Raiders run.
Why Villapiano gets No. 41
No. 41 has options, but Villapiano separates with a near-decade of starts and a full resume of honors. He made four Pro Bowls, helped deliver a Super Bowl title, and stayed in the lineup almost every week of his Raiders tenure.
For this number, the separator is 117 starts in nine seasons, plus the playmaking that shows up in interceptions, sacks, and forced disruption.
Draft and background
Villapiano was born Feb. 26, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey. He played at Ocean Township High School in New Jersey before starring at Bowling Green.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the second round, 45th overall, in 1971. He became an immediate starter and stayed a fixture in Silver and Black through the end of the decade.
Other notable No. 41s
- Robert Spillane, 2023-2024
- Eric Johnson, 2000-2003
- Ted Watts, 1981
- Napoleon McCallum, 1990-1994
Career check
Villapiano delivered a full Raiders run with major honors, championship value, and weekly impact. For No. 41, the best Raider is Phil Villapiano.
Next up tomorrow: No. 40.
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
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.
