In a week marked by the loss of an NFL brother, Raider Nation is mourning the death of former offensive lineman Rich Stephens, who passed away at the age of 59. While not a household name in today’s modern NFL, Stephens embodied the grit, determination, and blue-collar ethos that once defined the league — and that America so desperately needs to remember.
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 310 pounds, Stephens was a literal and figurative giant — both on the gridiron and among his teammates. The St. Louis native played his college ball at Tulsa and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 9th round of the 1989 NFL Draft. Though he never suited up for the Bengals, his football journey would take him through the rugged trenches of the now-defunct World League of American Football (WLAF) before earning his shot with the Raiders.
And what a journey it was.
Before donning the iconic Silver and Black, Stephens helped lead the Sacramento Surge to a World Bowl victory in 1992 — the only U.S.-based team to ever win the international league’s title. That kind of resilience and loyalty to the game — grinding it out in developmental leagues while keeping the dream alive — is something modern players, often spoiled by NIL deals and transfer portals, could learn a thing or two from.
Stephens’ NFL career spanned two seasons with the Raiders, including 16 appearances in 1993 and 13 in 1995, with a year off in between. While he only started two games, he was a dependable force in the rotation, helping the 1993 squad earn a playoff berth with a 10-6 record. That season, the Raiders were still in Los Angeles — before returning to Oakland, and now eventually landing in Las Vegas — but the loyalty and identity of Raider Nation was alive and well, and Stephens was part of it.
“The Raiders Family is mourning the passing of Rich Stephens,” the team said in a statement. “The thoughts of the entire Raider Nation are with Rich’s family at this time.”
His impact wasn’t just measured in snaps or starts — it was felt in the locker room and in the hearts of those who knew him. According to his obituary on stlfuneral.com, “Rich was dearly loved within the Raiders Organization as his personality was a blessing to the morale and wellness of many.”
That line alone says it all. In a world where egos dominate headlines and values are often thrown aside for clicks, Stephens was a man of character. He showed up, he worked hard, and he lifted others around him — a true example of what American sports once prioritized and should again.
Rich Stephens is survived by his sisters, Stephanie Stephens and Deanna Griffey. And while he may not have had the longest NFL career, his legacy as a teammate, leader, and humble warrior lives on.
Rest in peace, Rich. Raider Nation remembers.
