Introducing: Raider Radness!

In the spirit of March Madness, Verbatim is hosting its own “bracket challenge” of iconic Raiders from sports, history, culture, and more.

Verbatim Staff • February 24, 2026

Our school mascot, Randy Raider, is a pirate, but did you know that the word “raider” was first used during the American Civil War? Derived from the Anglo-Saxon verb rād (“to ride”), it was used to describe paramilitary / vigilante groups of former soldiers and outlaws, mostly on the side of the Confederacy, who rode horses and attacked swiftly with the goal of stealing supplies and causing as much disruption as they could. The use of the word “raider” to refer to a pirate is largely the result of the American football team formed in Oakland, CA in the 1960s.

In any case, there have been a lot of famous “raiders” of all shapes and sizes—found on everything from horses to pirate ships to board rooms to movie screens—throughout history that we thought it was time for the BT community to decide once and for all who is the greatest Raider of all time?

We’ve put together a bracket with 32 different “raiders” broken up into four categories: Movie & Book Raiders, Historical & Cultural Raiders, Sports Raiders, and Miscellaneous Raiders. We’re following the format of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s March Madness basketball tournament, in which we’ve seeded all 32 participants based on a “region,” with the 1981 Steven Spielberg film Indian Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark taking the #1 seed overall, followed by Blackbeard the pirate (1 Seed in Historical & Cultural Raiders), former Texas Tech Red Raider Patrick Mahomes (1 Seed in Sports Raiders), and our very own Raider James (1 Seed in Miscellaneous Raiders). You can read descriptions of all 32 participants in the infoboxes below.

In addition to printable brackets, we will be sending out Google Forms to all students, faculty, and staff in the coming weeks so that the BT community can vote on who they think should win each matchup, first in the Round of 32, then the Sweet 16, then the Elite Eight, then the Final Four, before an overall winner is chosen in the final pairing. The criteria for choosing a winner can be as simple as personal preference (say, you genuinely think that Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen was a better representative of the “Raider” moniker than Patrick Mahomes), or maybe you want to evaluate each matchup based on who best embodies the raider ethos—fearless, efficient, goal-oriented, and frighteningly formidable.

To anyone looking to make a game out of the Raider Radness bracket, we’re offering a modest incentive: for those who fill out a printable bracket and post an image of it on our @btverbatim Instagram account, we’ll award a $10 Starbucks gift card to three students, faculty, or staff who pick the most correct winners and are among the first to post their bracket.

Enjoy the tournament, and remember to respond to the Google Forms each week so we can crown a winner by the end of March!

Raider Radness: Movies & Book Raiders

1 Seed: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is a clear powerhouse in the Raiders Radness bracket. The movie follows Indiana Jones, a fearless archaeologist racing the Nazis to find the Ark of the Covenant, a legendary artifact with deadly supernatural power. Indy travels the world, survives insane dangers, and teams up with Marion Ravenwood to stop the Nazis from becoming unstoppable. The ending seals the film’s greatness, as the Ark itself destroys the villains while Indy survives by using his brain instead of brute force. With iconic action, memorable characters, and an unforgettable finale, Raiders of the Lost Ark easily deserves to advance in Raiders Radness.
2 Seed: Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean

Swaying into Raider Radness with a compass that never points north, Captain Jack Sparrow proves that chaos can still be calculated. Equal parts genius and disaster, Sparrow survives not by strength or strategy alone, but by wit, timing, and an uncanny ability to talk his way out of certain doom. Whether he’s stealing ships, escaping the gallows, or outsmarting enemies twice his size, Jack embodies the ultimate underdog—unpredictable, unconventional, and somehow always one step ahead. In a bracket built on bold moves and bigger personalities, betting against Jack Sparrow would be the most foolish mistake of all.
3 Seed: Captain Hook from Peter Pan

Captain Hook, a pirate who sought to destroy Peter Pan, was created by J.M Barrie in the play Peter Pan. The play was then adapted into the Disney movie Peter Pan. Captain Hook is known for his iron hook replacing his severed hand, his fear of the clock-swallowing crocodile, and his rivalry with Pan. He is also known for being in the Tinker Bell movie, The Pirate Fairy, where he is seeking enough pixie dust to fly so that he can take over the world. In that movie, he is voiced by Tom Hiddleston. What other pirate has loved the life of a thief and relished the life of a crook?
Tomb Raider: Raiding the Globe Gallery

4 Seed: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

Lara Croft, a legendary tomb raider who thrives on danger and discovery, was created by Core Design and first appeared in the video game Tomb Raider in 1996. The game franchise was later adapted into movies, most notably Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, bringing her adventures to the big screen. Lara is known for her athleticism and fearless exploration of ancient ruins in search of artifacts. Often walking the line between hero and thief, she embraces the risks of stealing from lost civilizations to uncover the truth behind history’s greatest mysteries. Whether portrayed in games or films, Lara Croft has come to symbolize the thrill of adventure and the allure of a life lived outside the rules.
5 Seed: The Dread Pirate Roberts from The Princess Bride

In the 1973 novel and the 1987 film adaptation of The Princess Bride, Westley assumes the identity of Dread Pirate Roberts, infamous for his unbeatable sword fighting and fearless persona. Sailors immediately surrender their wealth to the person they believe is Dread Pirate Roberts, but it is really Westley under a mask. Westley plans on using this money to win over his true love, Buttercup. After three years, right before Buttercup’s planned wedding, Westley invades her castle and finally reunites with the one he has longed for.
6 Seed: Long John Silver from Treasure Island

Long John Silver, a key character from Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, is a clever and dangerous pirate known for his charm and cunning. He is missing a leg and uses a crutch, but he makes up for it with his sharp mind and persuasive personality. He appears friendly and trustworthy in the beginning, but beneath the surface he is manipulative and willing to betray others to get what he wants. A true lover of the pirate life, Silver enjoys deception almost as much as treasure, and always looks out for himself first.
7 Seed: Gordon Gekko from Wall Street

Gordon Gekko is a famous fictional corporate raider from the movie Wall Street (1987). He is best known for his “Greed is Good” speech, where he argues that greed is not always a bad thing. Instead of seeing greed as selfish or harmful, Gekko claims it motivates people to work harder, take risks, and create economic growth.

In his speech, Gekko presents greed as the opposite of what most people expect. While greed usually has a negative meaning, he redefines it as a powerful force for progress. He believes there is a difference between destructive greed and ambitious greed. According to Gekko, ambitious greed pushes innovation, wealth, and success, even if it causes harm along the way.

As a corporate raider, Gekko makes money by taking over companies, breaking them apart, and selling their assets for profit. Although he argues that his actions improve the economy, they often hurt workers and communities. Gordon Gekko represents the extreme side of capitalism and shows how ambition can quickly turn unethical when profit becomes the only goal.
Star Wars – Tusken Raider (Wikimedia Commons)

8 Seed: Tusken Raiders from Star Wars

The Star Wars Tusken Raider, also known as “Sand People” or simply “Tuskens,” are the indigenous and nomadic humanoids on Tatooine. They are known for being exceedingly territorial and protecting their resources due to the harsh environmental conditions of their homeland. They view themselves as Tatooine’s rightful inhabitants and are deeply rooted in their nomadic culture, making them a formidable opponent to any foe. Not to mention, male Tusken Raiders in particular often attack vulnerable travelers who wander through Tatooine. To battle their enemies and protect their tribes, they shared a close bond with banthas, a large and shaggy, four-legged animal—almost like a woolly mammoth. From the Star Wars Universe and beyond, these Tusken Raiders certainly have a chance against ANY raider that comes their way; they’re protective, organized, and not afraid to fight for what they want.

Raider Radness: Historical Raiders

1 Seed: Blackbeard

Blackbeard (Edward Teach) was one of the most well-known pirates of the early 1700s, operating in the Caribbean and along the American colonies. He commanded ships that regularly attacked and captured merchant vessels, stealing valuable cargo, weapons, and supplies. Blackbeard is considered a raider because his success depended on organized, strategic raids at sea, where he used intimidation and violence to overwhelm his targets and take control of their goods.
(Wikimedia)

2 Seed: Carl Icahn

Carl Icahn was born on February 16, 1936 in New York City. He has a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Princeton University and attended NYU School of Medicine. He gained the nickname “corporate raider” by buying large stakes in undervalued companies and pressuring management to make changes or sell the company. For many years he was ranked among the wealthiest investors in the world. He often launches public proxy fights against boards and CEOs and was famous for blunt letters to management and media appearances. He is considered one of the pioneers of shareholder activism. He also helped shape modern corporate governance by showing how outside investors could influence large public companies.
3 Seed: Easy-E

Easy-E (Eric Lynn Wright) was one of the founding members of the West Coast rap scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, along with group members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. He was the rapper who paved the way for making Oakland (later Los Angelos, now Las Vegas) Raider merchandise among the most popular of any sports team from this time period. Easy-E was known for his iconic style of repping both Raider hats and jerseys. He boosted the team's merchandise popularity in the 90s, solidifying his connection to the "Raider Nation" and creating a strong cultural bridge between the football team and the genre. Teenagers far from the California coast begged their parents for Raiders gear, and even named pets after the team, which frequently had more to do with Easy-E's stylistic choices than with anything that was happening on the football field.
4 Seed: Mary Reed & Anne Bonny

Anne Bonny and Mary Read were known as two of the most ruthless female pirates during the golden age of piracy. Anne was born an illegitimate child to her father, an attorney named William Cormac. So to avoid scandal Cormac dressed Anne up as a boy and claimed she was the child of a distant relative he was watching over. As Anne grew older, around her teenage years, her temper shortened and she became more violent. News about Anne’s behavior started to spread around town and her father, worried about what this would do to his status and career, disowned her. Anne then married James Bonny, a poor sailor, as they set off for the Bahamas together, but Anne decided to leave James in return for another sailor named John Rackman. While on Rackman’s ship Anne came across Mary, who was disguised as a man, and Anne fell for Mary’s disguise as she attempted to flirt with Mary. Though Mary then revealed she was actually a woman. Anne promised to keep Mary’s disguise a secret and the two quickly became close friends.
5 Seed: Quantrill's Raiders

The first known use of the word "raider" dates to 1861 and is directly connected to the American Civil War, which featured a large number of guerrilla-style fighting units, mostly for the Confederacy, who would lead "raids" against Union army posts, Northern towns and cities, and even mail delivery wagons, both to steal supplies and to instill terror in the more traditional / organized Northern Army. The most famous of these Confederate raiders was led by Captain William Clark Quantrill, whose actions in Kanas and Missouri during the earlier years of the war eventually became so brutal and uncontrollable that they were disavowed by the Confederate Army. His band of "bushwhackers" featured some other notable figures, mostly famously the outlaw Jesse James, and their primary place of action—just south of Nebraska—makes them the closest group of historical "raiders" to Brownell Talbot.
A 1990’s poster of Ice Cube in full Raiders gear. (Wikimedia)

6 Seed: Ice Cube

If you're wondering how the infamous rapper, Ice Cube, made it to the sixth seed, then you haven't heard about the "President of the Raider Nation." While he didn't plunder cities or steal million-dollar artifacts, he earned this title by commanding an entire fanbase. Ice Cube brought his early love of the football team, The Los Angeles Raiders, into his rap career, where he was seen in multiple videos and public performances with his now signature Raider hat. Even after their move to Las Vegas, Ice Cube remained a loyal fan, earning his spot as president of Raider Nation as well as a place on the ultimate Raider bracket.
Courtesy of Fortune.com

7 Seed: T-Boone Pickens

T-Boon Pickens (1928 - 2019) was one of the most famous corporate raiders of the 1980's, storming into courtrooms as if they were battlefields. As a central oil tycoon of the time, he took aggressive stakes in various companies, influencing their decisions to best suit his interests. Even when negotiations and takeovers failed, Pickens still managed to come away with profits that shook the corporate world. Later in life, he turned this influence into philanthropy, famously donating a record-setting $165 million to Oklahoma State University's athletic program. At the time of his death in 2019, he had donated over $1 billion to myriad philanthropic causes.
8 Seed: Edward Low

Edward Low was a notoriously violent pirate who terrorized ships in the Atlantic ocean during the early 18th century. This era was known as the Golden Age of Piracy. He was from Westminster, England, and became a pirate after his difficult childhood. Low quickly gained a reputation for his cruelty towards both captives and his own crew, sometimes resorting to torture. Although some pirates were considered heroes, Low was famous for his excessive brutality and mutilation. Operating mainly off the coasts of New England, the Caribbean, and West Africa, he captured dozens of ships and commanded multiple pirate vessels at the height of his power. His fate remains uncertain; some accounts say he was captured and executed and others say he escaped and was never seen again. This mysterious end is fitting for one of piracy’s darkest legends.

Raider Radness: Sports Raiders

1 Seed: Patrick Mahomes

Although he is known as the legendary Kansas City Chiefs’ Quarterback, Patrick Mahomes was originally a Texas Tech Red Raider. For three seasons, from 2014 to 2016, Mahomes led Texas Tech and set several records. He was one of the best quarterbacks that Texas Tech ever had, ranking third for touchdown passes, passing yards, attempts, and completions. Mahomes also ranked second in rushing touchdowns, third in career in yards of total offense and third in career attempts. In April of 2017, as the 10th overall pick, Mahomes was drafted into the Kansas City Chiefs.
2 Seed: John Madden

John Madden was one of the most celebrated football coaches and television commentators in football history. In 1969, Madden, 32, became the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, where he would coach for the next 10 seasons. Madden led the Raiders to eight playoff appearances, seven division titles, zero loosing seasons, and one Super Bowl. Madden retired at age 42, leaving an illustrious legacy with the Oakland Raiders. After retirement he became arguably the most recognizable voice in sports broadcasting, working in the booth for 30 years while also lending his name to one of the biggest video game franchises that's still going strong today.
3 Seed: Sheryl Swoopes

Sheryl Swoopes is now recognized as one of the greatest players in women's basketball history. She first made her name as a legendary Texas Tech Raider from 1993 to 1995, leading them to the 1993 NCAA National Championship where she scored 47 points. Swoopes ranks among Texas Tech's all-time leaders in scoring and earned multiple awards for her athletic excellence. She went on to be the very first player signed to a WNBA team, won four WNBA titles, was named MVP of the league three times, and won three Olympic gold medals as a member of USA Basketball's women's team.
4 Seed: Tom Brady

Tom Brady is known for playing for the New England Patriots for most of his football career, from 2000 to 2019. He led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories and won five super bowl MVPs. He then went to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers towards the end of his career from 2020 to 2022, whose mascot is more of a pirate. Tom Brady is now the co-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders football team. He payed a total of $244 million to acquire 10% ownership of the football team. Tom Brady might be known as the GOAT of football, but really is not the best role model for anybody.
5 Seed: Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers's career uniquely blends professional football and action-heavy film roles. Before becoming an actor, Weathers played linebacker at San Diego State University, where he helped lead the team to a 1969 Pasadena Bowl victory. He was later drafted into the NFL and spent time with the Oakland Raiders during the early 1970s, giving him real experience in one of the most physically demanding sports. After football, Weathers transitioned into acting, where his athletic build and discipline translated naturally to the screen. His breakout role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series required extensive boxing training and helped establish him as a symbol of strength, confidence, and competitive drive. He continued this image in Predator as Dillon, a hardened military operative whose physical presence and authority stood out in a cast filled with action stars.
6 Seed: Bo Jackson

Bo Jackson played both professional football and professional baseball, which is very rare. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1985 while playing football at Auburn. He played in the NFL for the Los Angeles Raiders and in MLB for the Kansas City Royals at the same time. He was an All-Star in baseball and a Pro Bowl player in football. His career ended early because of injury, but he is remembered for succeeding at the highest level in two major sports. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
7 Seed: Al Davis

Al Davis was a major figure in American football and is best known as the longtime owner of the Oakland Raiders. He was known for his strong personality and his famous motto, "Just win, baby." Davis started as a coach and later became the youngest head coach to win an AFL championship before moving into management. He played a huge role in the AFL- NFL merger and was very influential in shaping the modern NFL. Even though he was often controversial and clashed with the league, he is remembered for his commitment to winning at all costs.
8 Seed: Marcus Allen

Marcus Allen was a running back who played in the NFL for 16 seasons; he is best known for his time with the Los Angeles Raiders. He won Super Bowl XVIII and was named the Super Bowl MVP after his iconic touchdown. Besides the Raiders, he has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993 and with the USC Trojans for his college career. Allen was also named NFL MVP and he earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame naming him as one of the all-time greats!

Raider Radness: Miscellaneous Raiders

1 Seed: Raider James

Raider James (RJ) is the top seed in the miscellaneous Raiders bracket, and it is easy to see why. At just three years old, this mini golden Labradoodle has become a beloved part of the school community. Whether he's greeting students at the door or bringing a little extra joy to the halls, his upbeat personality and playful spirit make every day brighter. Raider James loves spending time with students and has a natural ability to lift spirits with just a wag of his tail or a quick snuggle. He isn't just a school dog; he represents the true spirit of a BT Raider, spreading positivity, comfort, and excitement wherever he goes. His friendly attitude and devotion to the BT community make him the perfect fit for the number one spot.
2 Seed: Marine Raiders

The OG of American Special Forces, the Marine Raiders are the one of America’s premier fighting forces that specialize in direct action, counter-terrorism, and foreign internal defense. Each raider team has 14 highly skilled soldiers that have operated in over 40 countries. Originating during World War II, the Raiders were birthed in order to conduct amphibious raids and and small-unit tactics behind enemy lines. Today, the Raider's skillset has broadened and adapted to the modern interpretation that the world sees today.
3 Seed: "Raiders March" by John Williams

The theme song for the 1981 Steven Spielberg film (and overall #1 seed in this bracket), "Raiders March" was composed by the iconic composer John Williams and was the second collaboration with the famed director (after the Jaws score). After its appearance in the first Indiana Jones film, it has since appeared in each subsequent release in that franchise, as well as becoming one of the most recognizable film scores in the span of movie history.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3K6iuuT7maxh4NIobOIob0?si=0d17d1dcb7b14743
Credit: Car and Driver

4 Seed: Dodge Raider

Short, boxy, and aggressive, the Dodge Raider has the vicious attitude of a vehicle that expects to be driven into the woods and come back muddy. It's absolutely fearless, like a mountain goat with headlights. While other SUVs try to be comfortable, the Raider shows up to get the job done. In a Raiders bracket, the Dodge Raider doesn't compete, it dominates.
5 Seed: Captain Crunch

Mascot of the beloved cereal of the same name, Captain Crunch was created by Allan Burns. Identified by his signature blue naval uniform, Captain Horatio Crunch has been the face of the cereal for decades, with variations of the cereal coming out over the years and his image remaining nonetheless for the cereal that "stays crunchy, even in milk!"
6 Seed: Long John Silver's

Long John Silver's is an underground fast food restaurant. However, to those who love it, it's not just a restaurant, it's a journey to survive. Its unapologetically committed to it's theme, Long John Silver from Treasure Island. A character who raids ships for treasure. Both the character and restaurant thrive on chaos, and the will to survive no matter the odds. Raiders don't go for comfort or elegance they go in ready for rough conditions and whatever comes their way, which is exactly the mindset that is needed to choose to eat at Long John Silver's. The food isn't great, the experience is unpredictable, but refusing to go out of business, LJS stubbornly hangs on like a raider.
Skipper Shelton in “Scooby- Doo Mystery Incorporated,” standing beside his clam shop, complete with his nose patch.

7 Seed: Skipper Shelton

Unless someone is deeply invested in the Scooby-Doo series "Mystery Incorporated," Skipper Shelton probably won't ring any bells. However, unfamiliarity doesn't make this Raider any less iconic. Shelton is known for his cryptic persona throughout the series, often intertwined in the mysteries and viewed as a suspect in some. Shelton owns a clam shop on the beach of Crystal Cove, which is ironic, considering his lack of nasal functioning due to a clam biting his nose off when he was younger. Although Shelton is often convicted of crimes he did not commit, he stays loyal to his town and the community that inhabits it. While Shelton may not be the main character in the show, it is no secret that he brings the plot together with his aloofness and sarcastic nature. Not every Raider has to stand out. Skipper Shelton, although an unexpected pick, embodies this mentality wholly through his lack of screen time, but fondness in the hearts of all who know him.
No known images of Raider the cat exist, but this well-drawn likeness accurately captures the cat’s insouciance.

8 Seed: Dr. Low's Childhood Cat Raider

Raider, born sometime in the early 1990s, was a pretty good cat. He had a sister named Regis (don't ask), may have sired a litter of kittens, caught a mouse or two, and definitely "marked" his territory in the basement more than once, resulting in the need for some new carpet. Once he snuck out a door that someone left open, and it took most of a Saturday morning to track him down in the woods near our house; he was perched casually on a tree branch in eyesight of the house, and was easily coaxed without the need of the volunteer fire department; his time as a house cat after that was short lived, and he soon prowled the woods that he so clearly longed for. Raider's fur was more gray than silver, with enough black coloration to make the moniker apropos. His namesake wasn't any particular Raiders football player as much as it was the affiliated Starter jacket that was peak zeitgeist at the time. The jacket made an appearance on several consecutive Christmas lists (ca. 1990–1993), and though it never showed up under the tree, Raider the cat was, for the most part, a fine substitute.