The strength of the Raider Nation is each other

Thoughts from the Dark Side

May 12, 2008

The strength of the Raider Nation is each other

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Hunter S. Thompson once said, "the Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled." That fits with the image that the Raider Nation takes pride in, which leads to the stereotype that in order to be a Raider fan you need to be either a criminal or in a psycho ward. Nothing could be further from the truth of the essence of the Raider Nation. A perfect example of the true essence of the Raider Nation could be found on Saturday at Jarrod Cooper's Code 597 event to raise money and awareness for the Oakland Animal Shelter. The Nation came together in full battle gear, not to rape and pillage, not because they were doing community service to work off a fine, but to give their time and effort to a worthy cause.

The Raider Nation is more than just a collection of football fans, the Nation is an extended family that crosses all barriers, rich, poor, black, Democrat, Republican, white, latino, asian, whatever. Just as Al Davis once upon a time recruited players based on their abilities and not on the pigmentation of their skin, the Raider Nation is members of all races and socio-economic classes united in their passion for the Oakland Raiders.

Gorilla Rilla approached me at the Code 597 event on Sunday, and whilst I printed it in my write up of the event, it bears repeating here because it is both true and from the heart. ��I don��t talk much, you talk a lot so please get this out, this is what makes the Raider Nation so special. We are like grandma��s quilt, we have black, brown, latino, white, everyone and we all come together in a knot as one. We don��t see the differences, we are the Raider Nation.��

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The Raider Nation is an extended family. Whether its the costumed "superfans" like 'Rilla, Inferno, Sidewinder, or Skullman that have become celebrities in their own right, or the average fan in a faded jersey, there is no delineation. Having recently had the opportunity to attend a few Raider fan events and getting to meet these guys in person, I have to say that its not a gathering of strangers. It feels like being at an extended family reunion and meeting up with cousins you may not have met, but once you do its a fast friendship.

I have been ripped in the comment box here for saying that optimism is not high in the Nation or referring to the offseason of 07 as rock bottom. I think the greatest was being called a "Donkey Beat Writer." Lest there be any doubt, I bleed Silver and Black. Outside of work, I am not seen without Raider Gear. This site, whilst it has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, is still my love letters to the Nation. I exalt in victory and suffer in defeat. I am as sick as anyone of hearing about 19-61, but I have to keep it real and call it as I see it.

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

21 Comments on "The strength of the Raider Nation is each other"

Posted by OGKUSH, May 12, 2008 12:13 AM

yea pat he totally gets more agility with skinnier legs and less injury prone. guys with massive legs get hurt way more often.. wether its a tear or a pull.

haha wow edwards, hartwell, now spires? geee ... its like when the warriors picked up webber again, whoopti doo. :P hopefully they can plug some holes, that's all that really needs to be done... just stop RBs better than last year. if that gets accomplished, watch out AFC WEST :P

Posted by Raider Card Addict, May 12, 2008 4:45 AM

It's your opinion, Patrick. Thing is, though, here we are, it's May, and do you know any other clubs, who still have fans, excitable, pumped up for the next season, and hanging out for every bit of news?

Some clubs might have a few diehards....The Raider Nation, i'd guess more than 75 percent are this way.

We live and breathe out sport, and enjoy our extended family. Some, more than our regular family.

Personally, nothing could top that 2006 season, that was a disaster flick.

But, as bad as 19-61 is, we're not alone in this stat....everyone's favorite team to the hate, the Patriots, hit that point in the early 90s. Every team goes through the heaves, until whatever is affecting it, gets cleared out.

The Nation is ready....and I'm liking what i'm seeing out of the first camp....Bush, McFadden, and Fargas is going to be fun to watch.

Posted by OGKUSH, May 12, 2008 7:03 AM

yea it's awesome, if the game is boring or not even close, you can find entertainment in the crowd... anywhere you look! to a guy getting beaten down because he tried to hit a cop... or chiefs fans getting beer thrown on them...

Posted by Pat T, May 12, 2008 7:19 AM

Well i gotta agree with you OGKUSH but about the leg strength yeah i do belive he can build it up, but that could slow him down and thats what makes Dmac so special, his ability to burn you in the long run... I think Dmac is fine at his size, plus this dude isn't small at all at 6'1 210 what more can you ask from a guy and he runs a 4.2-4.3 40 yd dash what more can we ask? But im not sure is Michael Bush can be the Lendale White type of RB he's only like 230 or 240 he's really not that big... And Fargas will still get his 1,000 yds and maybe Dmac will also get 1,000 yds... But Lamont will be gone before the startof the season... but i think its good to keep him around in case Fargas, Bush, or Dmac were to get injured...

And about the former Raiders talking all this smack first off i dont know if Fabian Washington will be able to start unless he learns how to tackle, because i that defense everyone can tackle and you Ray Lewis wont put up with missed tackles.... He can beat his girlbut cant tackle.WOW.... Chris Carr at best will come when the team goes to their dime or quater defense and he'll get playing time on special team... Dominic Rhodes hahaha yeah he's a good back-up thats it though...

Posted by Bill, May 12, 2008 7:50 AM

Raiders just signed DE Greg Spires. I guess now they see we have issues along the DL. I suppose the rookies are not all that they thought them to be. Hey Pat T Rhodes came in for us after Fargas was hurt and ran like a starter. One of those games was against the Chargers run D.

Posted by inonewordraider, May 12, 2008 9:57 AM

WOW, I'm envisioning a Dline of Jay Rich, Sands, Kelly, and Spires on run plays w/ Burgess and Edwards in for pass plays keeping them fresh. Lb's: Howard, Hartwell, Morrison, Safeties: Wilson and Huff, Db's: Hall and Nnamdi. We're officially back! Al did it again

Posted by LDizzle, May 12, 2008 10:22 AM

Spires was signed to a one year deal and may not make the team. Of course if he doesn't, that would mean that Jay Rich and/or Trevor Scott beat him out. Either way, it is good news.

Posted by Rob Calonge, May 12, 2008 10:41 AM

Great job Patrick! Your words couldn't ring more true. You can see it in the posts and you can see it in person. Raider Nation rallies around each other when the haters come calling.

Posted by Raider Blues, May 12, 2008 11:27 AM

Yeah Patrick!

And who had your back after that Donkey Beat Writer comment? Look it up if you'd like but I did more than say you're a good dude... I told everyone why and what you did. You do a great job with this blog.

Just Win Baby!

#10

Posted by Bill, May 12, 2008 1:34 PM

Can't wait for the season to start. Is any one taking their kids to the Raiders youth camp? I'm taking 5 kids, 2 of mine and some I'm borrowing. Hope to see some of you all there. I've been going for 5 years now and every year all the rookies are there to sign autographs for the kids. Lots of fun if you have kids you all should not miss it.

#11

Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: The strength of the Raider Nation is each other | The RaiderCast, May 12, 2008 6:40 PM

[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]

#12

Posted by pat. T, May 12, 2008 7:45 PM

What i see Al is attempting to do, he's is bringing guys that havent had much success any where else or have had flashes but nothing consistent... At least one of these guys will become a stud wether its William Joseph, Kalimba Edwards, Drew Carter, Edgerton Hartwell and/or Greg Spires, we know what Gibril Wilson, Deangelo Hall and Javon Walker bring to the table and obviously the draftees in Dmac and Branch, but now we could get some production from guys who have something to prove. Look at Derrick Burgess a few years ago his signing was totally over shadowed by the Randy Moss signing, but who's still on our squad helping the team and playing hard every play even with his contract situation. You've gotta have respect for a guy like that, he's a warrior alot of other guys would've gone to the media and air the situation or ask for a trade publicaly. I think Burgess deserves a new contract i wouldn't give him a 60 million dollar contract because he's not very good against the run but he's an excellent pass rusher.

#13

Posted by Bill, May 12, 2008 9:35 PM

True that Pat T! The more bodies we get into camp the better chance one of them is a hit. I think Drew Carter is going to be stud. I am wondering who is going to come out on top on the DL. Also I'm wondering who is going to come out on top at RB. I hear Bush is looking real good.

#14

Posted by Bill, May 12, 2008 10:47 PM

Anyone know how the roster limit of 80 players works? I just went to the Raiders site and looked at the roster. There was 83 players listed and Greg Spires was not on the roster yet. Are they allowed to have 84 players? I'm just hoping that they won't get pentilized for having to many players on their roster. Rob, Patrick any thoughts on this?

#15

Posted by Patrick Patterson, May 13, 2008 3:06 AM

I am having site issues, can only get on from my cell phone. Will have a fresh post as soon as I am able.

#16

Posted by Coach Elkins, May 13, 2008 4:30 PM

Patrick, keep up the good work. Your words are so true.....

I have a question for you...

When did Noah build the ark?

#17

Posted by Coach Elkins, May 13, 2008 4:32 PM

Great Post Patrick...

Your words are so very true.

I have a question for you.

When did Noah build the ark?

#18

Posted by Coach Elkins, May 13, 2008 4:37 PM

Great Post Patrick.

Your words couldn't be more true.

I have a question for you.

When did Noah build the Ark?

#19

Posted by Coach Elkins, May 14, 2008 4:16 PM

Before the rain

so let us thanks Big Al

#20

Posted by TEDDAWG, May 15, 2008 11:28 AM

Patrick,

I am glad to see more outlets letting the world know about the positives that the RAIDER NATION is capable of. Thank you!

Jarrod Cooper's Help Code 597 organization is one of the many events/organizations/charities that the RAIDER NATION supports. Be on the lookout for more events coming soon!

-TEDDAWG

BLEEDSILVERANDBLACK.COM

#21

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