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Raiders draft countdown: Phil Villapiano is best No. 41

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 13, 2026 9:32 AM ET

Forty-one days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown continues through the franchise’s best players by jersey number.

Today, March 13, the number is 41.

Phil Villapiano, No. 41

Phil Villapiano, known as “Foo,” is the pick for No. 41 because he was a defining linebacker of the Raiders 1970s rise and a key piece of a championship defense. From 1971-1979, Villapiano brought energy, range, and a relentless motor that fit the Raiders identity.

Villapiano played 118 games for the Raiders and started 117. He produced 11 interceptions for 160 yards, including a touchdown, and added 15.0 sacks during his Raiders run.

41 days until the #Raiders square off against Harbaugh and the Chargers.

Phil Villapiano, LB @Villapiano41
1971-1979
– 118 gms 117 starts
– 11 PR 160 yards 1 TD
– 17* FR
– 15 Sacks, 1 safety
– 4x Pro Bowl
– 1x Super Bowl

Image | Source: Dice City Sports

* franchise leader#RaiderNation @BG_Football pic.twitter.com/Ha3m7XPOzJ
— Raiders History (@Oaklraiders1976) July 29, 2024

Why Villapiano gets No. 41

No. 41 has options, but Villapiano separates with a near-decade of starts and a full resume of honors. He made four Pro Bowls, helped deliver a Super Bowl title, and stayed in the lineup almost every week of his Raiders tenure.

For this number, the separator is 117 starts in nine seasons, plus the playmaking that shows up in interceptions, sacks, and forced disruption.

Draft and background

Villapiano was born Feb. 26, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey. He played at Ocean Township High School in New Jersey before starring at Bowling Green.

The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the second round, 45th overall, in 1971. He became an immediate starter and stayed a fixture in Silver and Black through the end of the decade.