Get to Know 2021 Senior Finalist Tom Flores
By Evan Chronis | September 01, 2020 | Pro Football Hall of Fame
On August 18, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced that legendary coach Tom Flores was selected as a finalist for the Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
Flores' professional playing career started in 1960 with the newly-founded Oakland Raiders, a charter team of the American Football League (AFL). When named the Raiders starting quarterback before the 1960 season, Flores became the first Hispanic starting quarterback in professional football. He would stay with Oakland through 1966 before being traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he played until 1969.
Following a 10-year AFL career, Flores started his coaching journey. Starting as the quarterback's coach for the Buffalo Bills in 1971, Flores then spent seven seasons as the Oakland Raiders wide receivers coach. Following his long tenure as an assistant with the franchise, Flores was promoted to head coach before the 1979 season, taking over for the retired John Madden.
Within two seasons, Flores made history. Entering the playoffs as a Wild Card team, the Raiders ran the gauntlet and won the 1981 Super Bowl over the Philadelphia Eagles. The victory made Flores the first minority head coach to lead a team to win a Super Bowl championship.
Flores would go on to repeat the feat a few years later, leading the Raiders to a 1984 Super Bowl title.
After nine seasons with the Raiders, Flores finished his career with a relatively unsuccessful three-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks. His 83 wins with the Raiders is second in franchise history, only trailing behind Madden, the man he replaced.
Tom Flores Accolades & Accomplishments
- 1970 Super Bowl Champion — as player
- 3-Time Super Bowl Champion — as coach
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