A NEW ERA BEGINS...Most of us have embraced our new future, a future that shows promise and hope.
But many in the Nation of Raiders had lost hope and still do.
Those who were un-loyal fled and abandoned our men who put it out on the line for us on Sundays, so that we can feel good about what team we represent.
Believe it or not we are the heart and soul of this team and great organization. Though we have every right to be frustrated with the past five seasons, we have just as a right to be excited for the upcoming ones.
To be honest with facts, no team in our AFC West Division has even been to or won a Super Bowl over these past seasons so they're in the same boat as us.
Right?
But the nation of Raider degraders will not allow us to believe or partake in any form of future greatness, I am not only speaking of the NFL Commissioner and his associates, I am speaking of all those who oppose to any type of success of the Oakland Raiders.
It is those who look at us with a keen eye, who believe we are lower then the rest, but only think that because they know we are the best. So to those who are considering leaving this Nation of Raiders, I tell you be patient and trust in Davis.
Stand by our team and keep cheering on Sundays. Our time is coming; I believe this stronger then ever. The actions and the initiative that Davis and company are taking only ensures the priority of winning an absolute necessity.
You will be rewarded for your loyalty in the years to come.
But if you choose to jump ship, feel free, the world needs plenty of Patriot fans.
To those of you who stand proud to be Raider fanatics, I embrace you as brothers. For we share a passion for the Oakland Raiders.
Whether were losing or winning, it will always be the black & silver.
To the TRUE Nation of Raiders, I commend you.
David Carter dicusses the San Diego Chargers ending to their season last January and them gearing up for an even bigger step that they didn't overcome last year: winning the AFC Championship. (Read More)
comments (39) write a comment »
write a new comment
3 months ago
You have to be retarded-right? How else can you be so blindly stupid as to not see how pathetic the raiders are. They are the anti-right run team in the league with a old dictator who holds onto power out of ownership. There is no basis to support Al Davis and the raiders today. They are the old communist country that had it's day and refuses to see the 21st century.
Loyalty is one thing in sports, stupidity is another. Anyone who follows a dying monarch to his death praising him as his team has crumbled into ruins needs to seriously get a grip on life.
from 3 months ago
thats why you would not know a great tea if it kick you in the balls i bet what ever team you like sucks.p.s IF YOU AINT A RAIDERS FAN YOU ANIT SHIT BOY
from 3 months ago
Unless your a Giants fan, Patriots fan, Colts Fan, Steelers Fan, and possibly even a Bucs fan( the most recent teams to win a S.B.) you you can't say your team is any better buddy. And if your not a Raider fan, what are you doing reading our articles?
from 3 months ago
Gotta love losers who are scared to admit, they aren't dedicated fans.
Being in the Raider Nation, you find there are fans.....and then, there's the Fans for the Raiders.
The two, are miles apart. Denver fans usually fold the tents in less than 24 hours.
Raider fans, there is, no offseason.
When some people are thinking of baseball, I'm studying the draft, and seeing who's still on the FA wire.
When some people are contemplating the 4th of July activities, I'm wondering about offseason workouts.
Here's probably the biggest sticking point.
I'm in South Dakota, halfway between the Vikings and Broncos.
I've never turned faith, never wavered.
From the high point, of Plunkett's cinderella story, to the doldrums of Art's second stint....
I'm a member, of the Raider Nation.
If you can't show that sort of support, Anonymous....
Go take up golfing.
3 months ago
We loyal members of the Raider Nation salute you! Long live AL, long live the Raider Nation!
3 months ago
oh yea? ok hater,come run your smack once our defense spanks what ever pathtetic team you rep.
Donks? Cheeps? your gonna get pummeled this year. BELEIVE IT
3 months ago
lets go raider nation.....its time to show these haters who we are, and bring back that raider championship attitude...trust in AL....JUST WIN BABY
3 months ago
Raiders are unique and succesful.
Unique in that we have an owner who more than any fan, player or any other owner wants to win. He will do whatever it takes to get there time and time again. He is one of the NFL's grandfathers contributing more to the game than most other owners put together. Proud tradition.
Succesful as well, despite 4 awful yrs we still have among the best winning percentages of any team in any sport. Its not just old history, we had a terrific run in this decade and look to be in position again to repeat.
How awful it would be to be an irrelevant fan of an irrelevant team like the Seahawks, Lions, Texans, or Cardinals? Complete lack of history and defined tradition.
Happy to be a Raider fan, even through rough times.
3 months ago
I can't say that I have'nt been upset with all the rumors and speculation flying around this offseason about Kiffin and Al. But when it all boils down, it's about one thing-the Raiders WINNING! I'm sure most of you Raider fans were around during the Mike White/Joe Bugel years, and you remember how bleak things looked back then. Fast forward to the Gruden era when we took 3 CONSECUTIVE division titles, 2 AFC Championship appearances, and a SB appearance- that SB year was EUPHORIC- and all of the HATERS faded away during that time. I know that we'll be there again, hopefully soon- but I'm not jumping ship for another team. It's Raiders or NOTHING! I WILL........
3 months ago
hey nation, do you notice anonymous never says which team he (or she) is a fan of? I bet he/she was a patsy fan until the last seconds of the superbowl when he/she then became a giants fan...
3 months ago
There are football fans and then there are Raider fans. There is an old expression "If you ain't a Raider fan, then you ain't s**t". It's unconditional support for a team. No other team is loved or hated as much as the Raiders. The term "Raider Nation" says it all. Anywhere you go in the world, you see Raider fans. Maybe only the Yankees have them beat regarding worldwide fans. We have all been very fustrated over the last couple of years and Al Davis has taken alot of heat, which he deserved but you can't dispute the fact that he built an organization that is one of a kind, a very cool organization rich in tradition. You have to love him because he has got brass balls. He has and will take on anybody and only cares about one thing, the Raiders. I feel very good about next year. A couple of D-Linemen and an OLB and we can do some serious damage. I think we are going to shock alot of people next year.
3 months ago
Greetings Nation,
I have been reading all the stuff that the media has written during this off season. And reading blogs where so called fans are whinning about Mr Davis and the so called feud with Coach Kiffin. I like Coach Kiffin and if you sit back and think about something. He is not a media person and showed that last year. Week after week last year he beat around the bush as to who was going to be the starting QB. He has stated that he would not address all the rumors. He has more on his plate than to address all that kind of stuff.
It's also funny that when other teams are out there spending large amounts of money. They are praised for upgrading thier teams. But when Mr Davis does he's lost his mind. Mr D. is out there getting in all these FA's that can play ball. Long time Raider fans such as myself know that Mr D. does not care about what the media prints. So for all you younger fans start jumping on him for things that are written just sit back and wait to see how it all plays out. I have been a fan since 1971 and I have nothing but respect and admiration for Mr D. and all he has done for the game and the RAIDERS.
Happy Easter NATION!!!!
New Mexico Raider.
3 months ago
i think you have to be the retarded one...since when does communist countries spend 160 million on its employees..al davis has stepped up to the plate in every way from the coaching staff down thru the players he signed and resigned... so you can go back to licking your niners who who ever else you kiss...
3 months ago
I was extremely upset about all the head coaching rumors this offseason, and came very close to sending an angry letter to Amy Trask about it. I've been a season ticket holder for a bazillion years and am fed up with organizational ineptitude.
The reason I didn't: none of the rumors ever proved to be true. And then we started adding free agents in most of our weakest areas (D-Line help, where are you?). Winning makes all bad feelings go away, and Al is doing what it takes to make this team better now.
The signing of DeAngelo Hall means the Raiders have a chance at competing with teams like Indy and New England. They are the real teams to beat right now. Al is doing the things he needs to do to make this a championship team.
It's funny how the haters and the uninformed media are all just repeating the same stories over and over and over, whether they're true or not.
Bottom line - I'll be at every game this year, just like every other year, but I expect a winning season NOW!
3 months ago
I've been a proud Raider fan for years. I've gone through the good and the bad. I recall having a front row seat and watching the Raiders destroy the Redskins to the present day organizational ineptitude and ridiculous rumors. The Raiders were in several of the games they lost last year and with better play could've won them. The off-season additions and upcoming draft will make the Oakland Raiders a better team. Never mind waht all the haters have to say; haters will hate that's their job when things change like they will this season they'll have nothing to say. I'll be at every game this year as well doned in silver and black and expecting a season full of surprises and redemption. The frustrations of the previous years will be taken out on all opponents because somebody's got to feel this. Much Love to the Raider Nation.
3 months ago
I am with you my brother, great article. You do not throw a family member into the street for having a few tough years. I am proud to be a part of the Great Raider Nation and always have been.
3 months ago
To the raider hater who left the first comment on here, pull your bottom lip over your head and swallow you pathetic piece of crap. Every team has bad times and for those of us who are loyal probably unlike your dumb ass, understand that. You on the other hand probably have trouble believing that santa clause isnt real and probably still believe that babies come from storks...grow up and stop being a hater. "Its cool to be a hater but powerful to be a true fan" GO RAIDERS!!!
3 months ago
True Raider Fans bleed silver and black . We may have had a bad run as it were, but evnetually we shall prevail. Players come and go as do coaches. My hope is that Kiff remains a Raider for many years because over time, we have rebuilt the team and in due season, the Silver and Black will be poised to win championships. I believe that the defense will be a dominant one for a good many years. I believe that this years limited draft selections will solidify our offensive needs. And I believe that we will contend for the title. We need Kiffin to be strong and bleed Silver and Black. That is all that Al will as of him.
Mr. Raider
3 months ago
i love what weve done so far. we have added to every area of need. we are spending money on x pro bowlers and x 1st rd picks. instead of unproven rookies. all we need out of this years draft is lb/de vernon gholsten, dt frank okan and that kicker from georgia. gholsten will be defense rookie of th year and gives us the best defense in the league.okan gives us the big run stuffing dt we need.send seabass of to sea.none of us in raider nation fills comfortable when he comes in to kick.and other teams no theres a good chance he will miss.now check this out if we go with darren mcfadden instead of gholsten.mcfadden,bush,rhodes & fargus, we will be the top rushing team in the league. they will have to play run defense.which takes preasure off jamarcus russell and puts javon walker 1 on 1 with the corner.walker wins that battle 8 of 10 times. OAKLAND RAIDERS west division champs & playoff bond,GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 months ago
I think that we are nearly done with "D". He'll maybe spend one or two picks on "D" because we only have, at this point, 4 total picks this year. If I know Al, he's taking a long hard look at McFadden. If he picks McFadn, Rhodes is gone. I'm sure he's taking a look Lil Long just because which may not be a bad thing cause the kid can play DE even in a 4-3, not to mention that he was born with Black & Silver blood coarsing through his viens. I think Al will opt for McFadden, DT or DE, OLB, WR, 4 picks, not necessarily in that order.
We'll win the west. We'll sweep Denver and KC, probably split with SD. Gotta find a way to stop LT, if the games are close, Russell and Kiff will rally the troops. I think that we will score many more point this year.
Russell will shock the league, the O-line will flourish, the running game will rank in the top 5 even if an individual back only gains 1200, & the defense will shock the league. Do you all realize what kind of speed we have on our defense? Kiffin will keep the team focused, Al and the Nation will regain the respect of our foes and all because of one thing...because at the final gun all season long all we'll be saying is...JUST WIN BABY!
Mr. Raider
PS Seabass is 100% under 50yds (+/- 1% due to a block or a bad snap, or a time out/re-kick). Can't keep asking Sebastian to kick 60+ yders and make the probowl. Down the middle or wide right, he too bleeds Silver and Black.
3 months ago
THE DOUBTS CROSSED MY MIND JUST LIKE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. A RAIDER FAITHFUL SPANNING 3 DECADES, I WONDERED IF POPPA AL WAS FINALLY TOO OLD AND NEEDED TO STEP DOWN. I'VE BEEN THRU THE MOVES FROM L.A. BACK TO OAK TOWN. I'VE BEEN THRU THE BO TRAJEDY, MARINOVICH, TRADER ASS GRUDEN, SUPERBOWL BLOWOUT, MOSS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. YOU CAN'T STOP BLEEDING SILVER AND BLACK. DON'T WANT TO. ANYONE CAN WEAR A COLTS JERSEY, OR STEELERS OR GOD HELP THEM A PATSY JERSEY. RAIDER FANS ARE BORN TO BLEED SILVER AND BLACK . WE'RE A SPECIAL BREED . WE'LL HANG IN THERE AND WHEN WE ARE AT THE TOP AGAIN SHEDDING TEARS HOLDING ON TO ONE ANOTHER EMBRACING THE LOMBARDI TROPHY ( AND IT'S COMING , OH HELL IS IT COMING!) ALL OTHERS WILL BOW DOWN AND ONCE AGAIN KNOW WHY WE HUNG THRU THE TOUGH YEARS. RAIDERS4EVER!
3 months ago
F**k Yeah! I'm Still In and I Will!
3 months ago
F@ck the media
3 months ago
I have to say after reading this article and the comments left on it I am impressed with the strong loyalties of the raider nation. I myself am a Patriots, not patsys Patriots, fan and I first viewed this article with a load of skepticism. I've seen the things Al Davis has done with the Raiders over the last few years and understand that his actions are all in hopes of improving his team, but I also recognize that no team can be helped by having a constantly changing coaching staff, new head guys and coordinators means players can't get comfortable in a system which never leads to wins. I see those types of things as discouraging, but when I think about it I almost certainly would have the same sense of optimism if the Patriots were going through the same thing. I'm also pretty sure with all the signings the Raiders have done the best decision Al Davis made this offseason was to keep Kiffin head coach, that will bring stability and stability will bring better play. Add the fact that the Raiders not only kept their star corner (who very well may be one of the leagues best, although I apologize for having no idea how to spell his name) but added Deangelo Hall to the back field, this is now a team with a budding offense and what has the potential to be some serious d. So I give my kudos to the Raider Nation and hope to see some great football coming out of Oakland
3 months ago
Well how about that? Ken you just became my favorite Pat fan.
3 months ago
I think we went with the 4-3 because it fit Sapp abilities... Now that he is gone, Ryan will switch us back to what he does best, the 3-4. Can Burgess play the rush linebacker? Would Sands be more productive at NT? If we do go with the 3-4, Vernon Gholsten would be an idle OLB...
Why do we need another running back? Bush could be the next Frank Gore and Fargas is for real... There is only so many carries to go around... pass on McFadden.
If Long and Gholsen are gone, it would be wise to draft for the OL, Jake Long. But AD was so good last year... OK MacFadden.
Go Raiders... "If you don't have a team to hate, feel free to hate on us!"
3 months ago
To the retarted last statement guy. You are heartless and dont stand for anything I'm guessing. One of these days you can rub shoulders with a passionate Raiders fan and for a second feel what it's like to feel the highs and lows of being loyal. We dont expect you to understand and you never will. I feel sorry for YOU. Have a nice day!
3 months ago
If I was able to stay loyal during the 1961 season (2-12) and the 1962 season (1-13, won on the last game of the season) I can stay loyal now. This despite the fact I have lived in San Diego the past 40 years.
Thank you for a positive article.
Sincerely,
Charles Oakey
3 months ago
Raaaaaaaaaaiders!!!
Stay strong nation...and Happy Easter
3 months ago
I wish that Chad Johnson had come to us instead of Javon Walker.
3 months ago
I have hope still. Look at what we have gotten in free agency and the talent we got in last years draft. We have a 4th pick in the first round of this years draft and a positive head coach in Lane Kiffin. JaMarcus Russell is our future star. Zach Miller is going to be a beast and a future pro-bowler. Jay Richardson looks to be a very solid DE. We have the best shutdown CB in the NFL in Nnamdi Asomugha and another pro-bowl CB in DeAngelo Hall. Our line-backers are great in Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard and DE Derrick Burgess is the best pass rusher in the game today. We got a hard hitting SS in Super Bowl Champion Gibril Wilson. Michael Huff is a great up incoming FS with unlimited potential. CB Stanford Routt is a very good nickel coverage CB. RB Justin Fargas has a motor that doesn't break down and rushed for over 1000 yards last season and only started in 8 games. RB Michael Bush could be a play maker in the future. And RB Dominic Rhodes is a good back up. WR Javon Walker is a solid #1 WR when healthy. WR Ronald Curry is a tough spectacular catch/possession catch WR. WR Drew Carter will provide some deep threat plays as well. And WR Johnnie Lee Higgins will improve with more playing time in the future as well as his ability to do punt/kick returns. DeAngelo Hall is also capable of returning kicks with his lightning quick speed. FB's Justin Griffith and Oren O'Neal are great run blockers and ball carriers. TE John Madsen makes great catches and comes up big when they count the most and could play WR also. Our defense is stacked in the back field and DE/DT Tommy Kelly can stuff the run as well as rush the passer. We do need serious help on our D-Line especially at DT/NT. Our run defense must improve in order to be successful. Our special teams players are great. Jarrod Cooper/ Isaiah Ekejuiba/ Ricky Brown and Jon Alston are great special teams players. Especially Jarrod Cooper. That guy can hit hard and is a monster on ball carriers returning kicks. Our O-Line is decent. And the zone blocking scheme seems to be the answer to our protection problems of the past. This years draft could put us in the playoff hunt. We need to take a DE/ DT/ and a O-Lineman this year.(in that order) We are on the verge of being a very competitive team this year. Remember we lost a hand full of games last season with the lead in the fourth quarter and lost those games by 7 points or less. A couple more tweeks to our D-line and O-line and keeping our coach Lane Kiffin and staff this year providing us with stability and leadership and we're right back to winning again. We are soooooooooo close my fellow Nation members. Just wait and see. This year will be a vast improvement and the 2009 season will be even better. Keep the faith. And keep supporting our Raiders. Us fans are the most important piece in this teams success and willingness to be a top contender team. I love the Oakland Raiders and I love the Raider Nation. Thanx
3 months ago
Oh yeah. We will probably get even more draft picks this year if we trade CB Fabian Washington/ RB LaMont Jordan/ QB Andrew Walter and FS Stuart Schwiegert. There is still more we can do this off season and we already re-signed our best players and got half a dozen free agent signings. Our stock is rising and then some.
3 months ago
Look for DE Vernon Gholston to be wearing silver and black in 2008. I can't wait!
3 months ago
All the way!! We true fans of the Silver and Black need to do the right thing and not hate but participate. People that have been fairweather fans and left us for charger jerseys etc...we must let them know that they weren't true fans to begin with. Power by numbers and devotion. Keep it going Big AL. Pyramids weren't built overnight and our return to greatness also won't happen in one season. Keep bringing the building blocks and we will be there to support the cause Al and Amy. The return is amongst us true Brethren of the Silver and Black.
3 months ago
I seriously doubt this happens but wouldnt it be kinda cool if chris long fell to number 4 and the raiders drafted him after having howie all those years it would be cool if they drafted his son as well but i dont see long falling past the first 2 picks he either goes to miami or st louis i think
3 months ago
Can someone please upload a different picture of Al Davis? This one is on about 10 articles already!!
3 months ago
At one time Oakland had 15 straight division losses, now that, is a huge accomplishment! 2 Wins 2 years ago, 4 Wins last year, and maybe 6 Wins this year! Raider Hater for Life!!! Keep Al Davis around!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AFC West is horrible, but everyone is rebuilding...except San Diego! I hate Philip Rivers...puke...on his face!
Tommy "too much money" Kelly
Michael "monster money" Bush
Javon "i get hurt daily" Walker
3 months ago
RAIDERS 08 AFC WEST CHAMPIONS!!!! it will happen cuz the rest of the diviion is trash...everyone took steps back while we took leaps forward....JUST WIN BABY! COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE!!
2 months ago
MY BOY ANDRES IS HOLDIN IT DOWN FOR YOU FANS, YOUR ALL LUCKY TO BE BLESSED WITH HIS WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT.
write a new comment