Understanding the Greatness of the Raiders

Me interviewing 1st-round draft pick, offensive lineman Bruce Campbell and the silly red hat. - Photo by Felicia


By J.P., Jr. Reporter
Sports in the Bay – Training Camp Exclusive

On Saturday, July 31 in Napa, California I had one of the most exciting but gut checking experiences. At Raiders Training Camp working with my aunt as a junior reporter, I had one of the most respected men in the history of NFL football notice a hat I was wearing. That man was Raiders owner Mr. Al Davis.

Of all days I had decided to wear a RED North Carolina State hat. I was standing around with the other reporters and I noticed that it began to get quiet so I looked up and saw that it was Mr. Davis pulling up in a golf cart, so I smiled and said “Hello Mr. Davis” and Mr. Davis looked at me and said “What are you doing with that red hat on?” I snatched that hat off of my head so fast I almost ripped my head off. When he began pulling away I saw that he began to smile. I was scared out of my mind but then I began to think about the meaning behind his remark and I ask myself: Why be scared? You were just noticed by the owner of the Oakland Raiders for crying out loud!

After that I vowed that I will never ever wear anything red to the Raiders training camp ever again. The thing that I like about the Raiders staff is that once they began working there they become a Raider even if they don’t play for the team.

For example I was having small talk with the a security guard and I slipped up and called Mr. Davis ‘Al.’ Before I could even get the next word out he corrected me so fast and told me to call him ‘Mr. Davis’ or ‘Mr. Al Davis’.

This unforgettable incident truly gave me and inside look at the tradition and history of the Raiders. Silver and Black rolls threw everyone’s veins within the organization and they know not to ever disrespect the organization by doing something as asinine as I did.

My experience at Oakland Raiders training will always be a day of infamy and I will never forget it.

This is the true definition behind understanding the greatness of the Oakland Raiders.