Training Camp Concludes in Napa

Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha

Photo by Willie Eshman

By Felicia

Sports in the Bay!

Thursday mid-morning was full of smiles and pleasantries as the Oakland Raiders packed-up their belonging and commenced their grueling five-week training camp in Napa, California.

Training camp is strictly that...training. It is a time for players of various football levels and experience to prove they have the credentials to make an NFL roster. However, it is also a time of bonding and getting to know your fellow teammate.

Two-time Raiders Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha told Sports in the Bay! why bowling night with his teammates was his most memorable moment of training camp this year.

"I think it was a great team bonding experience. You were matched up with players that you didn't know and you got a chance to learn a lot about them and of course my team won so that made it that much better."

Of course Asomugha doesn't remember what he bowled that evening but did admit; "I was the weakest bowler out of all the four of us (which was comprised of two offensive linemen, a tight end and the receivers coach) I'll admit that.

Although his team won their match, the veteran player said nothing matched up to the bonding experience that took place. "Team bonding is great. You want to have that type of bond with your teammates; it's a brotherhood and these are your brothers on the field so you want a closer relationship with them so I think it's huge."

This year, the Raiders will face their cross-town rival, San Francisco 49ers twice, in the pre and regular season. It is a festive time for the Bay Area to show their passion and alliegances to their respective organizations. Asomugha confirmed that the players get just as excited about the proclaimed Battle of the Bay, as the fans.

"It's a big deal, playing against the team right across the bridge. There are bragging rights everytime you play them and it makes it even more special because we play them in the regular season. You want to disrupt any thoughts they may have so guys definitely get excited and pumped up for the game."

Oakland who are currently 2-0 in the pre-season will host their first home game Saturday against the San Francisco 49ers, who are also 2-0 in the pre-season.

Next Tuesday the roster cutdown will be cutdown to a maximum of 75 players with the final cut of 53 players taking place on September 4th.

The Raiders host the 49ers Saturday, August 28th at 6:00pm.