The Mystique of the Raiders…

I bleed silver and black.  Many of us do.  As I prepare for the NFL season to kick off with a Raider vs. Cowboy matchup, I can’t help but bow my head and take a moment to remember a man who was and will always be the driving force of the Raiders for me…Mr. Al Davis.

raiders.com

His story is amazing-some not really aware of his many accomplishments, the list is long.

I wrote down all my Raider memories and experiences to share with you and felt every heartfelt emotion again as I typed…then it hit me.  I am not ready to share.  I am going to hold onto them.  Maybe I haven’t accepted that he will not be there physically this season, maybe not.  I am not sure…just mixed emotions right now.  I have to say, it was an honor to know him.  Really see him and witness his doings…I was blessed to experience a very loyal, generous and gifted man whose love for the game, his team and his family were unmeasurable.

latimes.com

We now look to his son, Mark Davis and the loyal Raiders staff to guide the Raiders to a new season. A New Era.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

My friend Mando Leon of “Raiders for Christ” said it best “A father’s love for others is seen through his son when he no longer dwells within the beauty of his work.”

Mando Leon

It seems only fitting that after kicking off the first week of training camp in Napa, the Oakland Raiders will celebrate the start of football this year with the Raider Nation Celebration this Sunday, August 12.

This family friendly event is free and open to the general public and takes place one day before the Oakland Raiders kick off the 2012 campaign in the national spotlight, hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, August 13.

DATE: August 12, 2012
TIME: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
LOCATION:  O.co Coliseum Parking Lot “B”

The Raider Nation Celebration will be highlighted by the introduction of first-year coach Dennis Allen and the 2012 Raiders and Raiderettes.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America

The event will also feature an interactive Kid’s Zone as well as autograph opportunities with Raider Legends and Raiderettes.  A number of exclusive opportunities – locker room tours for season ticket holders and a food tasting for suite holders – will also be part of this year’s Raider Nation Celebration.

Those attending the Raider Nation Celebration will be able to shop at the special on site Raider Image, the team’s official store, and food and alcohol-free beverage concessions stands will be available to fans.

There will also be the opportunity for fans to select tickets for Raider games in what stacks up to be a challenging, exciting 2012 schedule. The Raiders also open the 2012 regular season in prime time, hosting AFC West rival San Diego Chargers on Monday night, September 10, in the second half of the ESPN double-header.

Be sure to “LIKE” the Raiders on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Raiders) and follow the Raiders on Twitter (twitter.com/Raiders @RAIDERS).