In the last few months, a number of articles and a number of people have questioned who, what and why people flock to the Raider Nation.
As it is, for some it is sunk into their blood, a generational thing. I've heard that for some it is now into its third generation. I'm responsible for at least two second generation kids growing up with this team.
Some simply enjoy the underdog. You might say that stage came into effect about the time Tom Flores left LA and we'd been hunting for a coach. Art helped, but once Art was gone we had to wait for Gruden—and now, we are hoping Kiffin is the next heir to the throne.
Some are fans of the dark side of life. They embrace it for different reasons. Location, the fun of togetherness, the camaraderie, the friends, a way to blow off steam.
If you are a member of the Raider Nation and have ever been to a game, you know what i'm talking about. It's one big party. Even more of a point, some fans actually show up for a Sunday home game early Friday, just to prepare for the weekend.
There is one question that gets asked, repeated, and like a good rumor, embellished. What if the Raiders are losing? What about Al Davis? What about—?
That's just it. One thing that separates Raider fans from others is loyalty. One local store I shop at, the owner is a bronco fan, a pleasant guy, and had to shake his head one time. I asked him what was wrong.
He said he couldn't understand it. His team went 7-9. He stocked up on Bronco items—and got stuck witih about 75,000 dollars worth of merchandise.
On the opposite end, he ordered in about 10,000 dollars worth of Raiders stuff. And to date, about 90 percent of it is gone, even though the Raiders went 4-12.
Probably the statement that explains it best is when the Bronco fan is glad, the Raider base is faithful. That's gotta hurt in Bronco territory.
Don't get me wrong. We love it when the Raiders win. Sure, we've had tough years. We celebrate when we win, and sometimes, get pretty gloomy after losses. Different fans might take it up different ways. Me, I throw darts. Overhand. And I have a lot of cards, of different teams.
My aim is improving.
So I simply tell people, if they haven't seen me with my cap, or driving my car, or seen the house, I am a member of the Raider Nation.
Like every family, some will complain about different things. But deep down, we are all family. From Aunt Esther, to Uncle Charlie, from Dave and John at the Raider Cast, to Griz Jones, the Godfather.
From JayCee a continent away, to Amanda, AKA Black Widow. And from the Gorillarilla, to Sidewinder, two of the hardest working fans. These make up my brothers, sisters, friends, and family.
You can say what you will about the Raiders. We will continue to support them thick or thin, as you would support your own team.
But remember, if there's ever an empty feeling, or feeling like your faith is weak, you can join us. You won't go to hell.
But you might have fun.
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about 1 month ago
You are so right about it being an enduraing state whatever the results. This is also true of us from the Raider Nation across the world and in the UK. We dream of travelling to see our beloved team yet still stay part of the faithful.
Uk raider nation rocks!
Steve
about 1 month ago
Well said brother! Being an East Coast Raider, I catch a lot of flack. But when I do, I always stay strong in support of MY TEAM!
East Coast, West Coast, or across the pond...
It's ALL RAIDER NATION!
about 1 month ago
AMEN Brother.... Growing up in Southern California and making the 8 hour drive from Orange County to Oakland was always worth it, win or loss, just being able to party at the Black Hole was always a blast. I've got an 18 month old daughter, and another baby on the way, that I will gladly raise to be a part of the Raider Nation will truly be a blessing. I'm now living deep in the heart of Chief fans, and my co-workers always ask why I root for the Raiders. I simply reply that its not just about the team, but a way of life. It is just like when I was in the Marines... It's the comraderie that we have for eachother. SEMPER FIDELIS is the motto of for the Marines which means "Always Faithful". I live by that motto being a Marine and as well has a fellow Raider Nation member. So I'll end it here with the motto that I live by to all my fellow Raider Nation faithfuls....
SEMPER FIDELIS!!
about 1 month ago
Kudo's for the Article !! from The KRAKEN - RAIDER NATION 805 CHAPTER !! Raider Fans Never Die, They Just Multiply !!!
about 1 month ago
From Black and Silver Chevy personal truck with its Raider Tag on front, to my dog named 'Otto', my new Raider cap I buy each season, Raider jerseys, shirts,jackets, my daughter made Raider MoJo yarn doll that rides in my work van to the Silver and Black Cross with it , next to my Raider hard hat on the front dash to the auto tag of Oakland Raider's on the back on the van..... I know where your coming from my Raider Nation Family Brother. Holding down the fort in Dixie North Georgia, Oakland Raiders till I die and then some. Raider Cool!- Reb Raider
about 1 month ago
Great Article! Yes, I live across the pond in Hawaii and the Raider Nation here stands very strong!
There is not a day that goes by, that I don't see a "Raider"cap, logo or jersey. Raider fans are "fanatics", but are the true meaning of "familia"!
about 1 month ago
Great article, I think part of it is, although none would ever admit it many of the fans from the other teams want to be like us.
I remember when only the Raiders were called a Nation. You never heard any of the other teams refereed to as a Nation. A reporter did a piece on the Raiders and it's fans back then and he stated that only the Raider Fans are called a Nation and he implied that there was something wrong with this and stated you do not hear any teams fans called a Nation. Today they all consider themselves a Nation, Steeler Nation, Charger Nation and on and on I could go. There is only one Nation and that is the Raider Nation. But I can see how the fans of other teams would want to be a part of something as special as we have within the Raider Nation.
You will always hear many knocking the Raider fans that dress up in masks and paint their faces to attend games. But hear again many a fan from other teams although they bash the Raider fans are doing the same thing today. I do not see why for dressing up like a chicken or a piece of cheese or painting your face powder blue or yellow just does not hold the same kind of punch as the Silver and Black and the skulls and leather has to me. But once again they may knock us but they want to be us somewhere deep down inside their selves.
As for our Nation they want to knock us like we are all ignorant broke criminals. When the facts are that there are no more knowledgeable fans with regards to football then Raider Fans. At the games it always amazes me the diversity of our Fan base. From Doctors and Lawyers to Bikers, old and young, black, white, brown, yellow and red the Raider Nation is a very diverse bunch of fans. And how great to see the Nation on game day having one big party, side by side as family.
No there is only one Nation and that is the Raider Nation and if I was in a fox hole in battle or needed someone to have my back these are the people I would want. We may bicker among-st ourselves at times but like in my family I may call my brother an ass. I just better not hear a stranger do the same.
Raider Rock to all my fine Brothers and Sisters.
about 1 month ago
oh you poor raiders fans..
al davis has sunk that team into a hole it will take years to get out of. Lane Kiffin is barely a coach, i mean how much power can he really have with that team? everyone knows he's only around because crazy old al hasn't remembered to fire him (not that Kiffin deserves to be fired.. just, davis is an idiot).
As an Eagles fan i'll always hate the Raiders. (1981... Superbowl... Fucking Jim Plunkett) But, I hope Davis steps down or sells the team soon. Cause honestly, they have no hope with that crazy bastard calling the shots.
nice article though.
from about 1 month ago
If were showing no promise with no change of hope, if were on the same road to disaster..... why would you 'HOPE' Davis steps down? Your a Eagles fan are you not? Why would you 'WANT' the success of another team.... you must share a love for the Oakland Raiders, either that or your not a true Eagles fan. Come to the Raider Nation...we embrace all brothers
from about 1 month ago
i dont hope for the success of other teams. it's just not good for the NFL to have a team as mediocre as al davis has made the raiders.
about 1 month ago
I was born into this lifestyle you might call it. Almost like a religious belief. I am 2nd generation with my son of 15 months well on his way to becoming a member of the most diehard fanbase in the world. I buried my father in raider gear with a raider cover over his casket. This is not just a team to us in the nation. We really live and die with this team. The players come and go, but we will always be here. I bleed silver and black. One of the best memories i have in my life is watching charlie garner run 80 yards for a touchdown and win a playoff game against the jets. Raiders Raiders Raiders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
about 1 month ago
So true.. I buy a new hat each year, with my new jersey, I have a whole room in my home painted silver and black, with my Marcus Allen Autographed Helmet, My Jamarcus Russell Fathead, and I want more merch... It will never end. The Raider Nation is where I belong, New season tickets in sec. 302 this year... Can't wait.
It doesn't stop there, my cars are black, My boat is black, and it all has chrome... I show my pride, in whatever I ride.
26 days ago
"I was born into this lifestyle" that sums it up there. Lot's of kids grow up inside the Radier Nation and that's all they know. Like growing up in a little isolated island. Pretty soon the kid will grow to love Bananas and the mainland exotic fruits. One thing for sure: Lots of other fans for other teams (like myself) would like to enjoy the togetherness you guys embrace. That's cool !
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