Napoleon Kaufman
 Napoleon Kaufman

Senior Pastor Napoleon Kaufman spreads the word of God on Sundays. Before his calling in 2000, Kaufman spread a different message on Sundays: Catch me if you can. He finished his career 4th on the Raiders all-time rushing list with 4,792 yards on 978 carries. Kaufman averaged 4.9 yards per carry and scored 11 touchdowns on the ground. He holds the team record for most yards in a single-game with 227.

Born on June 7, 1973 in Kansas City, Missouri - he grew up in Lompoc, CA.

He attended University of Washington and got into football as a player in the Washington Huskies.

His pro football career lasted 6 years with 4792 yards rushing and 4.9 yards per carry under his belt.

He retired on 2000 to become a Christian minister. He is currently Senior Pastor at The Well Christian Community Church in Dublin, CA.

Interview with Napoleon Kaufman

Q: When did you start playing football?

Napoleon Kaufman: I was probably 8 years old. It was a Pop Warner league in Lompoc (Calif.) where I grew up.

Q: How did you become a Raider?

Napoleon Kaufman: I was drafted in the first round of the 1995 draft out of the University of Washington.

Q: “What did it mean for you to wear the Silver and Black?”

Napoleon Kaufman: It was a privilege. Growing up in Central California, I had the opportunity to be a Raider fan, so to play for
them was a privilege.

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

Napoleon Kaufman: All of it was great. The whole experience was great for me.

Q: Is there any one moment or play that stands out from your career?

Napoleon Kaufman: In 1997, Denver came in undefeated. I had an 83-yard run against them. They didn’t leave Oakland undefeated. (Kaufman set the Raider single game rushing record with 227 yards on the ground that day)

Q: Do you keep in contact with any of your former teammates?

Napoleon Kaufman: Most definitely. Tyrone Wheatley (1999 - current) is a member of our church, as are Steve Wisniewski (1989 - 01) and Robert Jenkins (1994 - 96).

Q: Which team did you enjoy playing against the most?

Napoleon Kaufman: To be honest with you, I really enjoyed playing against the (San Diego) Chargers. They had that awesome safety (Rodney Harrison) and Junior Seau at middle linebacker. They presented quite the challenge come game time.

Q: Do you still attend any Raider games?

Napoleon Kaufman: I’ve gone to a few every now and then. I try to get to at least one game per year and I visit the facility at least once a year also.

Q: What are you doing now?

Napoleon Kaufman: I am Senior Pastor and founder of The Well Christian Community. The Well is a place for people to come get refreshed, replenished, and rejuvenated. We’ve been out in Dublin for about two years now.

Q: “Are there any messages you would like to pass along to the Raider fans?”

Napoleon Kaufman: Keep believing, we’re gonna turn things around.

College Highlights

• 1994 - Finished 9th in Heisman voting
• 1994 - Ranked #8 in the nation in rushing yards per game
• 1993 - Ranked #7 in the nation in rushing yards per game