OT Donald Penn Toed the Line for the Raiders

With six offensive linemen from their illustrious history having been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio; unfortunately, some very talented players for the Las Vegas-Oakland-Los Angeles Raiders might have been overlooked a bit over the years.

One is tackle Donald Penn, who started his career with the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing as a free agent with the Raiders in 2014.

“Only positive things can be said about Donald Penn’s tenure with the Silver and Black,” FanSided wrote when selecting Penn as the 11th-best offensive lineman in Raiders history, ahead of such standouts as guard Mickey Marvin, guard Kelechi Osemele, tackle Bruce Davis and guard Max Montoya.

“Penn was signed by Raiders to a two-year contract worth $9.6 million. In those two seasons, Penn impressed enough to earn a two-year extension on top of that worth $21 million. The raise helped, as Penn went on to earn Pro Bowl honors in 2016 and 2017, in addition being selected All-AFC in 2016, before getting hurt and missing 12 games in the 2018 NFL season.

“With new tackles in the fold, Penn lost his starting left tackle job, tried to switch over to right tackle, but could not stay healthy and was released at the end of the 2018 NFL season, but his five seasons in Silver and Black were nothing short of stellar.

“His 2016 NFL season was phenomenal, as he helped the Raiders make the AFC playoffs.”

Even though Penn played only five seasons with the Raiders, he started all 66 games in which he played, and even caught three passes for seven yards, including two touchdowns. His two Pro Bowls with the Silver and Black gave him three for his career, as also was selected in 2010 while playing for the Buccaneers.

Penn, who became a backup and then retired after the Raiders selected left tackle Kolton Miller in the 2018 draft, was signed as a free agent out of Utah State in 2006, played in 194 games with 189 starts, including an amazing 170 consecutive starts that ended Week 16 of the 2017 season because of a foot injury. He made five receptions in his career for 15 yards on tackle-eligible plays in his career and turned them into four touchdowns.

When it came time to retire, Penn decided to do it with the Raiders.

“I want to join all of Raider Nation in congratulating Donald Penn on his retirement from football,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said. “Donald came to the Raiders with a passion for the organization and he exemplified what it means to wear the Silver and Black during his five memorable years with the team.

“He was a leader both on and off the field and was held in high regard around the league throughout his career. We’re happy to welcome Donald home. He will always have a special place in this organization.”

Added Coach Jon Gruden: “It’s perfect to see Donald retire as a Raider. He brought a toughness and tenacity to the offensive line that enabled him to have success at one of the most difficult positions in the game.

“I share Donald's love for football and his love for the Raiders, so I am thrilled to see him retire as a member of the Silver and Black. I want to congratulate Donald on his retirement and wish him and his family all the best.

“We’re going to miss Donald Penn around here.”

Said Penn on his way out the door: “I had a great run. I love Tampa, those eight years were great, Tampa is always going to be in my heart, but I grew up a Raider fan (in Inglewood, Calif.) and I was able to play for a team I grew up with and it was a dream come true, and after talking with Mr. Davis, he was saying [I should] retire a Raider.

“I appreciate them letting me do this and it just felt right, growing up a Raider fan, playing for the team I grew up with, just felt right to do it with the Raiders. And especially with Gruden being here, coaching me in Tampa and still being here, it just felt right.”

It’s only too bad Penn didn’t play longer in Silver and Black.

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