HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The sayings “commitment to excellence” and “just win, baby” encapsulated what the Raiders represented as they bulldozed their way to three Super Bowl titles with a take-no-prisoners style that endeared and villainized them.
Dallas became the self-proclaimed “America’s Team” as the Cowboys built one of the NFL’s most successful and influential teams that owns five Vince Lombardi Trophies and, similar to the Raiders, a swagger that has attracted them to a large segment of NFL fans while alienating others.
And the Miami Dolphins — though without the national following of the other two teams — proved perfection could exist as the dominant team of the early 1970s that remained a top contender into the ’80s.
All three franchises are at least a generation removed from their glory days. The Raiders haven’t played in the Super Bowl in 22 years, the Cowboys in 29 and the Dolphins in 40. Dallas’ last Super Bowl appearance also was its last championship, but the Raiders are 41 years from their most recent title and it’s at 51 years for the Dolphins.
And none appear close to ending such droughts.