Many of the Oakland Raiders' players returned to the Alameda facility on Monday, April 2, for the team's 2012 offseason program. Quarterback Carson Palmer said over the weekend that he couldn't wait for the day to get here so he could finally get his playbook and get back to work. There were a number of players who were feeling the same way, and many seem especially excited about the changes that have been taking place over the last few months, as well as the team's future.
Entrance to Oakland Coliseum and the home of the Raiders.
Wikimedia Commons
One of those players is the most recent to be added to the roster, former Indianapolis Colts' linebacker Philip Wheeler. Wheeler was asked by NFL writer Jerry McDonald why he decided to sign with Oakland, and the 27-year-old mentioned several factors. First, he said it was a better fit because of the type of defense and scheme that's run in Oakland, as well as the Raiders' coaches.
Oakland's new defensive coordinator Jason Tarver, who spent nearly a decade with the San Francisco 49ers, told Wheeler that there would be "a lot of blitzing, not just standing still," like he did with the Colts. He seemed to be impressed with Tarver, but that wasn't the only thing that convinced Wheeler to wear the Silver and Black.
The biggest factor seemed to be the fans. Many fans throughout the Raider Nation sent supportive messages through Twitter and Wheeler remarked, "It was cool man, because that kind of helped me in my decision because it showed me how big of a football city this is and how much they paid attention to football instead of going somewhere else. Indianapolis, it was pretty good football city, but the fans, they didn't' get more involved in media, and just showing us how much they care about the game. I always wanted to play in a big football for a legendary team, something like that and that kind of helped me choose Oakland."
You've got to like that about the guy. I'm excited to have him on our side and he could also be a big help when it comes time to face the Denver Broncos. In regard to his former teammate Peyton Manning, Wheeler said, "I feel like I'm better just from going up against him in practice every day and I'll be prepared to face any quarterback like that. I think I can help the team do that."
Offensive Lineman Stefen Wisniewski was another one of the players in Alameda today. He said with all of the new coaches it is different, but "knowing players and knowing what it's like to play an NFL season is giving us a lot more confidence coming back."
Wisniewski added, "The offseason was nice, but it's about time to be back to work. Three months is a good break and much needed after a long season, but it's time to go to work now. We want to win. We want to win the AFC West, make the playoffs and win the Super Bowl. We have the talent to do it and this is the first step here—getting the talent to work together to reach those goals."
It'll be even better when fans finally get to see the Silver and Black back on the field, fired up and ready to go, and especially defeating the Denver Broncos. In Oakland, and in the Mile High City.
K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.
More from this contributor:
'76 Oakland Raiders Named Greatest Team of All Time Proves Strength of Raider Nation: Fan Take
Oakland Raiders' Three Compensatory Picks Another Good Sign for 2012: Fan Reaction
Oakland Raiders' Legendary Quarterback Jim Plunkett: Thoughts on the Past and the Team's Future
Oakland Raiders' Fan's Look: Quarterback Carson Palmer Makes Sacrifices
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