Oakland Raiders: The Best Is Yet to Come

A Pep Talk

Why do I cheer for the Oakland Raiders? There are many reasons. One of those reasons is that I have known several of them, and they were hell-raisers on the field and kind off the field.

Well, sometimes they were.

The few senior Oakland Raiders I knew were smart, determined and they were more than survivors. They were high achievers.

The years have mellowed all of them. Having lived the prime of my life during the 60's and 70's in New York City, you can be certain that I have a strong constitution which complemented the strength of those in my circle of friends and associates. Having grown up in those rich and diverse environments, I learned to discern subtle matters. My generation knows and lives by the motto, "only the strong survive."

I also believe that strong men are flanked and further enhanced by strong and compassionate women. And, an old adage says that behind a strong man is a woman. This is why one of my articles attempted to encourage the womens' voices on the Oakland Raiders B/R webpage.

Sometimes I do wonder what strong women are flanking our team of young, talented Oakland Raiders. It is a question that needs no answer. Rather, the performance on the playing field will be the measure of the strength and nurture of the Oakland Raiders in 2010. 

Remember, the motto is "Commitment to Excellence."

That's a tall order, but it can be achieved.

My generation expected the best from the Oakland Raiders. In my senior years, I look back and realize that the Oakland Raiders gave us what we expected. They gave us excellence. They gave us the data. They gave us the unique NFL records which measured both the intensity and integrity of their experiences on the playing field.

Their performance on the playing field inspired us, and we, too, were victorious in all that we endeavored to do.

Many of us were taught that a strong and discerning woman can uplift the spirit of a man so that he goes out into the world to do nothing less than conquer that world.

He seems to know that he must return with a victory, and with the treasures that come with victories.

This precept must drive the hearts, minds and spirit of the young Oakland Raiders. Nothing less is acceptable.

As a professor, I believe that the desire to pursue excellence with a passion comes, not only from the Oakland Raiders training camp and coaches, but from the home, family, immediate circle, and other organizations with which the Oakland Raiders are affiliated.

Once we realize that the Oakland Raiders are drawing strength from all of these environments, we, then, have the responsibility of building up and transmitting the message and precepts to buttress whatever the players need to fulfill their commitment to excellence.

This is the plea that some of us expound. Many of us believe that the best is yet to come.

Go Raiders!