To Justin Fargas, Some Long Overdue Thanks

Just months after being dominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII, it was draft time. The Raiders had just used the 31st and 32nd overall picks to draft Nnamdi Asomugha, a defensive back from California, and Tyler Brayton, a defensive end from Colorado.

The rest of their picks went to selecting Teyo Johnson, Sam Williams, Doug Gabriel, Shurron Pierson, Dustin Rykert, Siddeeq Shabazz, Ryan Hoag, and Justin Fargas.

From that list of names, you probably only recognize about four, most noticeably Fargas.

After transferring to the University of Southern California, Fargas rushed for over 700 yards on only a little over 150 carries. That was impressive enough to catch the attention of Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders; so much so, that they drafted him in the third round.

Fargas was incredibly under-used from the beginning of his career up until the 2006 season, mostly used as a back-up to Lamont Jordan.

In 2007, Jordan was injured early and Fargas was inserted into the starting lineup, and he did not disappoint. Playing in 14 games, Fargas rushed for 1,009 yards and scored four rushing touchdowns.

After a very similar year in statistics, Fargas would see his playing time reduced when the Raiders utilized young running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden more than him.

On March 6, 2010, the Oakland Raiders cut Fargas due to a failed physical. Fargas would come out and state that he is in fine condition.

I'm not going into detail about all of that. I'm here to thank Fargas for all that he has done for the Oakland Raiders organization.

For years, Fargas has played tough and physical football. Every play Fargas is in, he gives more than 100 percent. He continuously gives up his body for every yard he could possibly get.

I thank you, Justin Fargas. I thank you for all the tough times that you have bailed us out of. I thank you for putting your heart and guts into every play. I thank you for being committed to excellence.