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We hit 53 in our Raiders countdown to kickoff. Who wore it best and who's wearing it now

We hit 53 in our Raiders countdown to kickoff. Who wore it best and who's wearing it now

USA Today16-07-2025
We've reached 53 days until the Raiders season opener at Foxboro against the Patriots, With our countdown at 53 days we take a look at who currently dons the number in Silver & Black and who has brought it the most distinction.
No. 53
Who's wearing it now: LB Amari Gainer
Gainer enters his second season with the Raiders. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina in 2024. He made the team out of camp and appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, including 80% of all special teams snaps.
Who wore it best: LB Rod Martin
Martin started every one of the Raiders playoff games for their last two Super Bowl runs. He most famously picked off QB Ron Jaworski three times to help the Raiders blowout the Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. In Super Bowl XVIII, Martin would sack Joe Theisman and recover a fumble, again helping the Raiders with another blowout Super Bowl win. This one even more dominating than their previous two.
All told, Martin spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Raiders and as a starter for 11 of those years. He made two Pro Bowls and was named an All Pro in 1984.
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What was it like for longtime Patriots Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise to return as members of the Commanders?

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