The Church of Monday Night Football

Welcome wonderful readers. Those of you who know me know that I have my own religious beliefs. I strongly believe that every individual needs to develop their own spirituality. Yahweh doesn’t work for me. The Buddha taught me much but I don't agree with everything he taught.

The one church that I have enjoyed over time is the Church of Monday Night Football.

Tonight especially. Those of you who know me even slightly know that I am a long time Oakland Raiders fan. I have an Al Davis tattoo, almost all of my dogs have had a Raider game (Marcus, Howie, etc.) Some of my cars have had Raider names. My closet is stuffed with silver and black.

Tonight is special in that My Guys are playing my most hated team the Dogassdenverbroncos, or Doncos for short. Denver has been playing especially well lately and the Raiders have by most (not mine) accounts one of the worst rosters in the league. Still there is hope, there is always hope.

I will spend some time today getting my “game face” on. Yes, I have painted my face for a game but I don’t usually don face paint for a TV game. I save that for trips to the stadium.

So, why am I a Raider fan? Tomorrow I’ll discuss why I believe football is the superior sport. Football is my game.

Growing up in the Bay Area my family were all 49er fans. Me, I’m just ornery enough that I became a Raider fan. I like the niners OK but the Raiders are my team. 

I loved Al Davis’ rebel image. He did things his own way. The Raiders were one of the last teams to have a publicity department. Al’s thought was winning was all the publicity they needed. They did their own scouting when everyone else in the league besides the Cowboys did it throught a combine.

I loved that the Raiders constantly brought in misfits and castoffs and gave them a second chance, many of them grasping the opportunity and making second careers for themselves.

. . . and yes I love the laundry. Silver and Black is a cool color combination. I’ve had friends debate my football obsession by claiming my devotion to the Raiders is nothing more that following the laundry of the team. The players change, the coaches change. The only thing that remains is the uniform. So yes I like the colors. I wear silver and black most of the time.

Football fans might like to point out that the Raiders have not been very good for a long time. Yes it’s true. Yes it’s true that some of that is the fault of al Davis. His desperation for one last Superbowl drove the team into the ditch. But, I am a fan and being a fan is all about hope.

Sure we’re big underdogs tonight. No on is picking my guys to win, but I’ll watch and I’ll begin the game with the premise that the Raiders will find a way. Facts do not matter. Stats do not matter. Pundits dissing my team does not matter. 

GO RAIDERS!

Tomorrow: my notes on the game and thoughts on why I believe football is the best sport to follow.

Earth Year 2013

Never mix red wine with Oodo.