A Raiders Family

Why bother with Raider Take? Why care so much about the Oakland Raiders? Here’s my personal take:

My father came to the United States from northern England, but he embraced American football and the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs, Broncos and Steelers were bad words around our place. The Heidi, Sea of Hands and Holly Roller games became part of our household lore, mystical events that proved the greatness of the Raiders.

My brother broke into tears of outrage when the ball illegally bounced off Frenchy Fuqua into the thieving hands of Franco Harris for the so-called Immaculate Reception. Today, my brother lives in Oklahoma, but he still belongs to the Raider Nation. My cousin belongs, too. He is my gameday co-pilot. We both love a righteous tailgate on the Coliseum ashphalt.

More than 30 years have passed since my first memories of those loud autumn Sunday afternoons in our home. My father passed away 15 years ago, but his love of Raiders football helped strengthen family bonds that endure today. Like family, the Raiders organization is timeless and loyal. Like family, Raiders fans don’t blow with the prevailing winds or hop on the nearest bandwagon. We remain rock solid in our dedication.

I am proud to belong to a Raiders family, and to the Raiders family.