Why I Choose to Stand by the Raiders Despite Their Struggles

I find inspiration in the many connections I share with this much-traveled team

Photo by author.

“I can’t control what goes on or what the outcome is. I love the team. Am I happy about what’s happening right now? No, I am not, but I’ve been a Raiders fan since 1973, and it’s not gonna change.”

George, an avid Raiders fan and season-ticket holder from Reno, Nevada expressed his thoughts while the Raiders were beaten by the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 22. We were all gutted by the third quarter when the Raiders failed to up their game.

And their embarrassing loss was evident.

Unlike George, who has been a Raider fan for 51 years, I became familiar with the Raiders in 2020. As he does, I have been going to Allegiant Stadium to watch every home game since 2021, when the statewide COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and the NFL’s 102nd season started.

Last year, I flew to Miami to watch them play against the Dolphins. Unfortunately, they lost. That loss wasn’t one of their two losses in 2023.

It was just one of the many.

And they lost again last Sunday against the Steelers!