With the 2025 season 43 days away, we look at who wears the number for the Raiders now and who wore it best.
We've reached 43 days until the Raiders season opener at Foxboro against the Patriots, With our countdown at 43 days we take a look at who currently dons the number in Silver & Black and who has brought it the most distinction.
No. 43
Who's wearing it now: LB Michael Barrett
Barrett was a seventh round draft choice by the Carolina Panthers in 2024 out of Michigan. He didn't make the Panthers roster out of camp and spent time on the practice squads of the Seahawks, Browns, and Packers throughout last season. He signed with the Raiders this offseason.
Who wore it best: DB George Atkinson
As the 190th player selected in the 1968 NFL Draft, Atkinson was recently ranked as the best player ever drafted at that spot in the history of the NFL. He was a Pro Bowler in his first two seasons in the league. And for a decade, Atkinson was the Raiders starting strong safety, including their 1976 Super Bowl XI squad alongside free safety Jack Tatum.
Atkinson and Tatum both had 30 career interceptions which is fifth most in Raiders franchise history. Adding three more interceptions in 16 playoff games. His four defensive TD's is tied for fifth in Raiders history and he added one in the postseason as well.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders countdown to kickoff No. 43: Who wore it best, wearing it now
Category: Football
