Philip Wheeler paid a visit to the Oakland Raiders on Thursday, March 29, and he seems to have left with a good feeling about not only the franchise, but the fans. The unrestricted free agent spent the last four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, coming out of Georgia Tech as a third round draft pick in 2008.
Bay Bridge, Oakland
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The linebacker played 13 games for the Colts last year, making 80 tackles and recording one sack. Over his four year career in the NFL he has a total of 182 tackles and two sacks. The Raiders need to fill Kamerion Wimbley's spot, and while Wheeler is reportedly not the pass rusher that Wimbley was, he is considered to be a strong run defender.
Wheeler has already visited with the Miami Dolphins, and on Thursday he tweeted that he had a tough career choice to make. By the time he left Oakland, he seemed to be leaning toward wearing the silver and black. He sent out several tweets that were especially favorable, including, "Dang Raider Nation ain't no joke. They deep. Lol," followed by, "Raider Nation showed love. Preciate that. Legendary place," and finally, "I see that documentary they did on the Raiders fans was real. #RaiderNation seems strong."
Who wouldn't want to be a Raider?
In more breaking news released today in Oakland, a trade took place with the Carolina Panthers. Mike Goodson tweeted just an hour ago, " Newest Oakland Raider !!!!! Headin to Cali!"
The Raiders have traded offensive tackle Bruce Campbell for running back Goodson. Goodson has already been flooded with congratulations and support from the Raider Nation welcoming him to the "dark side." Even his fans in North Carolina seem to have a lot of good things to say about him, including the fact that he has potential to be an NFL star with the Raiders.
Although the 24-year-old missed much of the 2011 season, he was a solid player in 2010, ranking second in receptions while carrying the ball 103 times for 452 yards. He was a fourth round draft pick for the Panthers in 2009.
As Raider fans we should continue to have faith and not be discouraged by the naysayers out there. Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen are getting things together for 2012, and by the time the football season is underway, the team will be a strong contender in the AFC West.
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:
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' Aaron Curry Will Stay a 'Christ-filled' Raider, Johnson and Eugene Cut: Fan's Update
Oakland Raiders' Fan's Look: Quarterback Carson Palmer Makes Sacrifices
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