We all have our reasons. Every fan does. The best part about being a Raiders fan (particularly now) is that your reason runs deep and is unmovable. You are a Raiders fan, it doesn't matter what happens, you will always be a Raiders fan.
My patronage came in 1987 at the age of 3. At the time, some gas station (I cannot for the life of me think of which it was) was giving out NFL team glasses with a fill up. My dad filled up our family car and was obliged to receive a free team glass. Living in a county that neighbors LA, my dad was naturally inclined to grab a Raiders glass. Because both my older sister (age 5 at the time) and I were in the car, he did what any intelligent parent would do and bought a second glass. The other glass was a Chargers glass, presumably because the Raiders were locking up with the Chargers later in the week.
When my dad returned to the car, he gave my sister first pick of which glass she wanted. Luckily for me, she picked the Chargers one because it was "prettier." I was the fortunate recipient of a Los Angeles Raiders glass and you better believe I planned to drink my water out of it while we watched the game later that week with my dad.
Come time for kick off my sister was supporting the Chargers because she had the "pretty" glass. Stronger than any football rivalry was the rivalry I held with my sister, so naturally I had to cheer on the Raiders, MY Raiders. I cannot tell you who won that game, but I can tell you that was the moment I became part of THE Nation.
Like a typical Chargers fan, my sister lost interest in her team with in a year; like a typical member of THE Nation, my loyalty holds strong 20 years later.
What is your motive? If you are a member of BleacherReport, you know that we all share a similar quality: a strong love for our respective teams. This could be a fun way to explore why we share that bond.
Oh, and for all of you out there who are curious, yes the picture is of the actual glasses that started me on my Silver and Black journey. If anyone knows which gas station it was, I would love to know.
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2 months ago
Yo I have those same glasses! But all of mine are Raider glasses, I have six. The kid across the street from me was a Dolt fan so we swapped evertime one got the other. I grew up in La Puente, Ca. Pops worked for SCE and was a volunteer at the Coliseum on Sundays. This was about '84 though homie, they used those cups for years. Nothing really brings you to the Raiders, either you're a Raider or you're not. I think it's a personality thing. You know . What you relate to on the inside. When I was 4 I saw Lyle Alzado on the line with blood comin' from his eyes. Pops said, "He wants to win". If to win I have to bleed from my eyes....then I'll bleed from my eyes! A Raider was a man. No quit, under no circumstance, no retreat. Stand and FIGHT, everytime! Between the Raiders and Rudyard Kipling's IF, it has made me a relentless mofo. FOSHO! And for your gas station question it was the " AM/PM" convenience chain. Are those still in Cali, 'cause I live in Trampa Slay.
2 months ago
My allegiance to the Raiders has only come into being since around like 2004. My uncle was a die hard member of Raider Nation and he even had his car painted, decaled and everything else you could have done to your car in Raiders colors and logos. I started watching their games at around 2001 but I was too young to get into it too much. Despite their loss in the superbowl and their downfall since, my pledge to the silver & black has alway been one that can never be shaken nor destroyed. To me the Raiders represent struggle, defiance and a "me against the world & I am going to win no matter what the odds" type attitude. That is why they mean so much to me and to many others in the Nation. Win or Lose, Raiders Till We Die!
2 months ago
I fell in love when the "Assassin" knocked Earl Campbell into the end zone on a goal line play. His technique was a thing of beauty. I told myself that this is what football is all about. You suppose to make your opponent submit. Now through in the "Mad Stork" "Doctor Death" "Mr. Stickum" "Darth Raider" now you have something to admire about the sport. Chuck Noll, former coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, once described the Raider defensive backs as a "criminal element." But my most luring reason to be part of the Nation is Sections 104, 105, 106, and 107 at McAfee Coliseum know as the "BLACK HOLE" also "The Battle Hymn of the Raider Nation." "The Autumn Wind," narrated by the legendary John Facen. I get chills when I hear it.
2 months ago
I was 11 I think, and my dad took me to a chiefs vs. Raider game. The raiders pummeled the chiefs to my recollection, and I knew they were my team. I was a steelers fan, and still show them love on thursdays, but knew that silver and black was where I belonged. After the snow bowl, tuck rule, made my passion stronger. I bought season tix last year, and I was able to yell, scream, and curse at the top of my lungs, and all the other fans cheered me on.. I was home. Plus its 30 mins away from home... 11 years of support.. RAIDERS!!
2 months ago
I was just a tot when my mother had a huge crush on Dave Casper (yeah, she was such a a girl) so we always watched, every Sunday they were playing. After the Ghost retired my mother stopped paying as much attention to the team, but I never left. Since I was a little kid I didn't quite understand why most people 'hated' or 'feard' my boys. I found that the more people did, the more I loved them and my loyalty never waivered.
I had season tix when they were down here in LA and was at every game - that was definitely a trip and an adventure in self-preservation. I was actually excited for them to move back to OakTown, because that's where the S&B truly belong. It took a couple of seasons, but I got my tickets back and have been flying up for all the games the past few years now. I do remember the first time I hit the stadium parking lot in Oakland, I practically cried (rememeber I am a girl so I have that excuse going for me), because I knew I was home, with my people. There's absolutley nothing like being at a Raiders game. Nothing.
I'M IN!
about 1 month ago
A lot of people are curious why I'm a RAIDER fan because I live in the bay area (and if you were wondering, I still go to RAIDER games). I admired them because of their hits.
Oh yeah, and I sometimes use "Were the only team w/ REAL FANS"! Totally my kind of team.
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