Forty 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 14, the number is 40.
Pete Banaszak, No. 40
Pete Banaszak is the pick for No. 40 because he delivered long-term value as a dependable runner during the Raiders rise from the AFL into a championship-level franchise. From 1966-1978, Banaszak was a steady back who handled volume, converted tough yards, and stayed productive across multiple eras of Raiders football.
Banaszak played 173 games for the Raiders and rushed 964 times for 3,772 yards and 47 touchdowns. That touchdown total is the separator for this number.
Why Banaszak gets No. 40
No. 40 has a few candidates, but Banaszak separates with longevity and scoring production. He spent his entire career with the Raiders, and 47 rushing touchdowns over that span is a rare franchise contribution.
He also has championship value. Banaszak was part of both an AFL title team and a Super Bowl championship team, which strengthens his case.
Draft and background
Banaszak was born May 21, 1944, in Crivitz, Wisconsin. He played at Crivitz High School in Wisconsin before starring at Miami.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the fifth round, 59th overall, of the 1966 AFL Draft. He went on to spend his entire pro career in Silver and Black.
Other notable No. 40s
- Bo Roberson, 1962-1965
- Jon Ritchie, 1998-2002
- Jarrod Cooper, 2004-2007
Career check
Banaszak built a Raiders-only career on reliability and finishing drives, then backed it with titles. For No. 40, the best Raider is Pete Banaszak.
Next up tomorrow: No. 39.
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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.
