I'm New to the Board but I'd just like to say...

[BlackHole Mike]

...to all my Raider brothers...it's great to have a "free" forum and a free voice here in my new home. You know, I've met Raiderfans in So. Cal. New Orleans, Buffalo, Toronto and many other places throughout our beautiful continent and let me tell you, there really is nothing greater than being a "Raider".

We share a brotherhood unlike any other in the NFL. I would not dare to try to compare it to the Marine Corps. nor our country's Firemen or PD, etc... but when I see someone wearing a hat or shirt or jacket with our infamous logo, I always try to say "hey" and acknowledge my brothers. The players (with exception of a few) start here, go there, retire in other uni's...but once a Raider, always a Raider. And that's even more so with us, the fans.

"Commitment to Excellence" is something that runs deep within. Wear your colors proudly. Bring your pride and passion not only to the games, the sports bars or your Raider gatherings, but in everything you do. Being a Raider is a lifestyle, it's an attitude. I can't tell you how many times I used to catch myself yelling and cussing out Dorsett or Mc Glockton on the sidelines after they made a poor play. I really pissed Dorsett off when I ran into him earlier this season I believe if he [i:dc8e84b6d0]could [/i:dc8e84b6d0]have killed me, he would have. But what I've realized since then is that I have no right to criticize any one unless I'm ready to also be criticized. Constructive or not.

I love my Raiders, but I don't want to fight, break things or cuss anymore after a loss. I keep it in perspective. It's just a game. For me, being a Raiderfan has evolved from living and dying with each play and each win and loss to the reality of it all. The tailgates are actually bigger now to me than the games as strange as that may sound to some...it's true. I'm not star struck when I meet the players. I've become part of the whole picture but at the same time can distance myself when necessary.

Before, I couldn't even go to work the Monday after a loss. Not because I bet any money or had to listen to co-workers...but just because I got down. Really down. Can you relate?

Anyway Raider brothers, I don't always post this way. I love talking x's and o's. Love talking trash. But more than anything, I'm looking forward to getting to know more of my extended family as we cheer and push our beloved team and owner to their rightful place in Professional Sports History. When the 4th Superbowl Trophy is hoisted, Raiderfans all around the world will celebrate. After all of the heartaches, all of the bad calls, all of the poor publicity our fans have endured...we will all be able to enjoy it like downshifting and excellerating in a brand new convertible, top down, wind blowin' and smiling from ear to ear knowing that we've endured and conquered...collectively, convincingly and proudly.

Let's take care of business Sunday.

BlackHole Mike[color=darkred:dc8e84b6d0][/color:dc8e84b6d0][color=#000000:dc8e84b6d0][/color:dc8e84b6d0][i:dc8e84b6d0][/i:dc8e84b6d0]

[Bleed]

There is nothing like being a fan of the Raiders. Period!

[SoCalRaider]

[quote:1b5a5ee6f1]Before, I couldn't even go to work the Monday after a loss. Not because I bet any money or had to listen to co-workers...but just because I got down. Really down. Can you relate? [/quote:1b5a5ee6f1]

I practically detatch myself from the world on a Monday after a loss. I don't pick up the phone, don't turn on the TV, the radio, nothing. I'm so damn competitive that a loss will haunt me till the next Sunday. That 4 game losing streak in October just flat out made me sick.

But thats all in the past. We've got a great team and as good a shot as anybody to run the table. It's definitely a great time to be a Raider fan.

Thanks for the post BlackHole Mike!

[RaiderBlitz]

Welcome aboard Mike. You find this to be an excellent forum. With some excellent insight. It will also help during that long withdraw period after the season over to come here and talk about the future of the Raiders and football.

[BK]

Welcome to the site Mike! I can definately relate to what you're saying. I've been a fan since 1980, and I've experienced the losing and winning, winning the Lombardi to not finishing below .500. I never stopped bleeding the silver and black.

During that 4 game slide, I couldn't believe all the **** I heard, people were coming out of the wood work. The 82 year old president of the company I work for even came up to me and said "Bob, I know you're a Raiders fan but I hate Al Davis and I hate the Raiders." Even female co-workers of mine would bust my balls about the losing streak saying, "Wow, did you watch that game on Sunday?" knowing damn well they aren't football fans. I was ready to start knocking people out! Since then, we went 7-1, not a peep out of anyone!

I have been to games up and down the east coast, it doesn't matter where you go, raider fans treat each other like family. When I was in Miami this year, me and the wife decided to get up early and check out the beach, well at 8am, there were 2 raider fans drinking beer at 8am, they saw the Jon Ritchie jersey, yelled "GO RAIDERS" and offered us beer and food, just like family!

The Raiders organization is full of class, check out the article I wrote for the site about the trip up to Buffalo this year:

http://raiderfans.net/columns/carr_raider-weekend-10-02.html

Win or lose, one thing for sure, I'll be supporting my team!

Die-hard Raider fan for life!

[DarthRaider]

Welcome aboard Mike. I'm new to the board as well. But as you can see, I've been fairly active. Like all of us, I'm a die hard Raider fan also. Been a fan since the first breath I took and will continue till my last!!!

Raider Nation, Loud and Proud!!!

[daraydaz]

Welcome aboard Mike, grab an oar. Good group of knowledgeable fans here without all the BS that you get on some other boards. I can also relate to the Mon morning hangover after a loss. It would take me sometimes the entire week to get over a Sun loss. The Balt loss was especially brutal since we were favored to win and go to the SB. I am just getting over that.

[crizpynutz]

Welcome Mike, and great post! I did know exactly what you were talking about. There is just 'something' about the Raiders isn't there? Some call mystique, but I don't have a word for it....just, The Raiders. I live in CT and you can only imagine what it's been like around here with all the Pats fans and now countless Jets fans in my office keep leaving me little green 'treasures'. I haven't said a word, struck back or anything. I just take each note, doll, picture, etc. and put it in a drawer. I just might find a use for them sometime next week :wink:

I think you'll find this site to be Silver & Black to the bone, raidersfan2002 has done a fantastic job putting the site together. We're new, but we're growing fast. I write (Jay Morano) articles fairly often and my man Pietro writes some really great history pieces. I hope you enjoy the site and Raider on my brother.

[Raiderrooter]

Welcome Mike and great post. You are correct on all fronts being a Raider fan compares to nothing else. I've said it many times I can meet a Raider fan anywhere in the world and we'll talk like we've known each other for a lifetime. And yes when the Raiders lose I'm not the most fun to be around at leastfor a couple of day's. But I have a special feeling about these Raiders being denied the last two years I think they are ready to tee off on someone just so happens the first team in their way is the YETS oh well we had to play someone in the first round might as well be a team we have had great succsess agianst. Keep it Loud and Proud and welcome again.

[BlackHole Mike]

Thanks!

It's good to know you're welcome when you arrive to a new place.

Each of your replies were appreciated.

As far as the game goes this weekend, Sunday won't get here soon enough! We'll be (right outside the gates on 66th Ave.) at the Coliseum Saturday night as usual but you know what?? I'm ready to head out there right freakin' now! Somebody stop me!

Come Sunday, I think I'm gonna stand on my stadium seat and get the crowd going with, "J!E!T!S! Suck! Suck! Suck!

J. ust E.nd T. heir S. eason baby.

-BH Mike