Clem Daniels
 Clem Daniels

Named 1963 Most Valuable Player by The Sporting News. Named to the All-Time All-AFL team. Was a high school football coach when he joined the Dallas Texans in 1960 as a reserve defensive back. After being released by the Texans, signed as a free agent with Oakland in the middle of the 1961 season. Was inserted into Raider lineup late 1961 and blossomed as an offensive halfback.

Clem Daniels wore the Silver and Black for seven seasons. In that time span he was able to make quite a name for himself in Raiders history: he’s third all-time in career rushing attempts (1,133); third all-time in career rushing yards (5,103); and he led the Raiders in rushing six straight years (1962-67). He still holds the Raiders single-game record for best average gain per catch at 57.3 (he caught three balls for 172 yards v. Buffalo, 09/15/1963). His 14 career 100-yard rushing games are second only to Marcus Allen (22).

Interview with Clem Daniels

Raiders.com: When did you start playing football?

Clem Daniels: I started playing in junior high, 6th grade.

Raiders.com: What about this nickname, “Bo Daniels?”

Clem Daniels: I’m from Texas. Everyone from Texas has a nickname. I’m not real sure where it came from.

Raiders.com: How did you become a Raider?

Clem Daniels: Before I finished my senior season at Prairie View A&M (TX) I hurt both of my legs. I didn’t get drafted so I took a year off and joined the military. This allowed me to rehabilitate my legs at my pace. A year later, I got out of the military and was signed by the Dallas Texans. They moved to Kansas City and became the Chiefs. Anyway, they wanted to me play cornerback. I didn’t want to. I asked for and was granted my release. The Raiders signed me in 1961 to play running back.

Raiders.com: What did it mean for you to wear the Silver and Black?

Clem Daniels: The first two years I was here it was tough. But in 1963 Mr. Davis changed everything. He took a proactive approach with the team. From then on, it was an honor to wear the Silver and Black.

Raiders.com: What is your greatest memory from playing with the Raiders?

Clem Daniels: The 1967 Super Bowl. We lost the game, that part hurt. The funny part is that I broke my leg in Week 10 and didn’t play in the Super Bowl. I still tell people if I had been in that game (Super Bowl II), we would have kicked their butts.

Raiders.com: Is there any one moment or play that stands out from your career?

Clem Daniels: I can’t remember when the game was but we were playing at Denver. We ran a play off-tackle and netted a lot of yards. But a holding flag was thrown so the play was negated. I came into the huddle begging for the play to be run again. I told the O-Lineman not to worry, just do your job. We ran the play again and I was dragged down at the Denver three-yard line. Those plays stood out because of the family mentality fostered by everyone associated with the Raiders. We take care of each other.

RB Clem Daniels played for the Raiders for seven seasons.

Raiders Archives

Raiders.com: Which team did you enjoy playing against the most?

Clem Daniels: I liked playing any team in our division. People knew the Western Division of the AFL was tough but they didn’t know how tough. I played against the Chargers, the Chiefs, and the Broncos, and let me tell you, they were all dogfights - a battle to the end, every time.

Raiders.com: Do you keep in contact with any of your former teammates?

Clem Daniels: Oh, heck yeah! Family is very important. Mr. Davis brought that to the Raiders. Bill Walsh once said, “The togetherness and family tradition of The Oakland Raiders is second to none.” I truly believe that. Any organization of substance has to have tradition to be great. Part of our tradition, from the owner down, is a sense of family. We are all Raiders.

Raiders.com: Do you still attend any Raider games?

Clem Daniels: Sure do. I made a lot of games this year. I like to be there to support the team.

Raiders.com: What are you doing now?

Clem Daniels: I left the Raiders in 1967. I played for one more season in the NFL and retired in 1968. Since then, I’ve owned a few liquor stores and my own real estate business. Currently I own a sports bar on High Street in Oakland called End Zone. That keeps me busy, so I’m semi-retired. I play a lot of golf and do a bit of traveling when I can.

Raiders.com: Are there any messages you would like to pass along to the Raider fans?

Clem Daniels: This team and the city have been wonderful to my family and me and I wish both nothing but the best to both.