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The NFL Lockout is Over: What it Means to this Raiders Fan

Chris Shellcroft — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:40:55 +0000

The NFL Lockout came to an end today. While I couldn’t be happier that we’re back to talking football without putting any ifs, ands or buts on it, I am disappointed in many regards.

To me, this entire process has been a reminder. We tend to forget that professional football is a business first. While we’re lamenting over how our fantasy team performed on any given Sunday there are real men with real families and very real pressures that tend to be ignored.

Playing in the NFL will never be a privilege. It is a right that is earned with tireless work and unimaginable sacrifice.

This offseason – or lack thereof – has put into perspective just how difficult it is to have a career in football. While the masses focus in on the superstars with multi-million dollar deals the realists know this lockout has cost countless jobs to those that would have been the last to make the roster. We seem to only think in terms of the upper 10%, forgetting that there are infinitely more men that come and go in the NFL than those that stick and have a career.

As happy as I am to see my Raiders play again I’m saddened by the fact that someone’s dream has been forever lost.
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The NFL Lockout is Over: 5 Things the Oakland Raiders Must Do Now

Chris Shellcroft — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:41:35 +0000

After wading through all the chest high piles of greed and knee high stacks of pointless media speculation, we the fans have emerged as the true victors in the NFL lockout debacle.

That’s right!

Our proud nation finally has its Sunday distractions in the fall back and I couldn’t be happier.

Go tell it on the mountain…the NFL Lockout is over!

Having seen Hue Jackson revitalize an offense that resembled a zombie in a Romero flick was inspiring. Though I didn’t agree with the timing of Tom Cable’s dismissal, I do love Jackson at the helm. With a young defense anchored by vets like Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly, there is no reason why 2011 can’t be the year Oakland rises back to the top of the AFC West.

Damn it’s great to talk football again!

So without further adieu, here are five things the Raiders must do right now in order to keep last season’s momentum going.
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Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

Gregory Simon — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:38:03 +0000

Looks like the wheels are rolling and the season is on. It’s okay now to put your gear back on. Dust off that jersey and clean off that hat. Call your buddies because the fantasy draft is back on! (GO Waterboys!!!! 2006 Champs!) FOOTBALL IS BACK!
Now, what to expect this week; three months of football movement (aka free agency) in one week. This week is going to be crazy! Teams can come up big real fast this week. (Including the Raiders.) We need to sign our free agents first like Mike Bush then address the free agents are out there. We need some definite help so we may own the AFC West and the rest of the NFL! Prepare for one of the best Raider seasons ever! And no, I’m not one of those Super Bowl delusional fans that say it’s are year EVERY YEAR. We have a great foundation for a killer year. Go Nation!

Greg Simon
JBB Staff Writer