I visited the Raider Nation and I all got was this lousy tshirt
It is no secret to anyone that knows me that I am not the biggest sports fan. However, when I was asked to go to the Oakland Raiders game yesterday by a good friend, I jumped at the chance.
However, I knew I was going somewhere 'different' when I received a text that said, "Don't wear any other team jerseys to the game - just wear black if you have it". Well, never fear - I don't own any game jerseys, so I was safe there.Flash forward a couple hours and HELLO - welcome to Raider Nation!
WOW! WOW! - such a scene! Such devotion! I was impressed and amazed by the Raider Nation loyalists and the utter devotion they show to their team.
Now, flash forward to the end of the 4th quarter and picture most of these same people booing their own home team. A team that played SO HORRIBLY that I was reminded of a bad high school game or a Hollywood movie where a special 'secret' play was needed to come from behind. But, it was not to be. The Raiders went on to lose - going down in FLAMES - leaving many in the Raider Nation looking more than a little PO'd.
I have lived in Detroit and Phoenix. So, I know bad football teams - TRUST ME on that. But, yesterday was an enlightening experience showing me just how truly terrible a team can play and still be considered a professional franchise. (Ouch! That hurts, but its true).
So, Raider Nation - thank you! You made the trip worth while as did the guys I went with. No thanks to the actual football game though for making it a unique and interesting Sunday.
