Silver and Black Report

Oakland Raiders legend Willie Brown retired on Wednesday.

He commented to reporters outside the team’s facility, “I’m retiring,” and then stated “Yep,” as he went on his way when he was asked if he was serious.

Oakland has not made an official announcement, but per beat writer Steve Corkran, Raiders CEO Amy Trask stated, “Willie shall be remembered as one of the, if not the, greatest Raiders players of all time. We will honor Willie in the coming months.”

Brown just finished his 39^th year of service to the Silver & Black and the 15^th as the Director of Squad Development and defensive backs assistant. He was the secondary coach from 1979-88 and during that span, the team won Super Bowls XV and XVIII.

He played for the Raiders from 1967-1978 and tallied 54 interceptions during his illustrious 16-year career. In one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history, Brown returned a Fran Tarkenton interception 75-yards for a score during the Raiders 32-14 mauling of the Minnesota Vikings.

His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame came on July 28, 1984.

Brown stated on his way out on Wednesday that he had no knowledge of Tom Cable’s status with the Raiders and that all other coaches are still employed by Al Davis.

Michael Huff was reminded everyday of the importance Oakland places in solid secondary play.

“I’m wearing the number 24″ he said a few years back. “Willie Brown follows me around every day.”

And that legacy at cornerback that is rich in tradition in Oakland was also carried by another no. 24 that just won a defensive player of the year for the Green Bay Packers – Charles Woodson – who always praised Brown for aiding his development.

Current Raiders Pro-Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha stated once, “You’ve got to be able to play man if you play for the Raiders. It’s that simple.”

Not too many did it better, nor taught it as well as Brown.

Fan (fn) n.

An ardent devotee; an enthusiast.

Frank Jenkins is the definition of a fan. A lifelong devotee to the Oakland Raiders, Frank represents the loyalty, pride & poise the Silver & Black fans have for their beloved organization.

A member of the Jersey Shore Raiders Booster Club (JSRBC), Frank’s game day began early during football season and his commitment to rooting for his favorite team was a priority in his life all year long.

But now, Frank is in a hospital in Toms River, fighting for his life, as he has been since December of 2008 when he was told he only had 3-6 months to live with a diagnosis of terminal lung Cancer.

Now in a hospital, a quadriplegic attached to machines that aide his vitality, Frank’s everlasting love for the Raiders still remains. It’s stronger now more than ever, and as a 5 year member of the JSRBC, many of his dear friends have given SBReport and inside look at his fandom, passion, and how gridiron favorites that once donned the Silver & Black have come to his aide and made his difficult days memorable.

“I remember last year, he was having a lot of neck and shoulder pain.  He asked me if I would rub his neck.  I tried, but it wasn’t helping.  I have small hands and they aren’t very strong!!!  So I went to Henry (Lawrence) and asked him if he would help Frank out.  Henry has those great massaging hands!!!  I will never forget the look on Frank’s face when Henry was massaging his neck and shoulders!  He was SO happy and Henry made him feel so much better (thanks Henry, love you)!!  It really is the little gestures in life that make a difference!! – Terri Russell

Frank, like all of the Raider Nation, is joyous after a Raider victory. And is disappointed whenever Oakland can’t prevail on Sundays. And his exuberance and passion will be missed at Bar A, when Frank lit up the environment with his vibrant fanatical behavior that just touched everyone. JSRBC member Wayne Arrighi recalls how Frank poured his heart out during game days and displayed his lively nature:

“Diane had told me at Bar A he was sick towards the end of last season and was not advised of his condition when I last spoke to her in December.”

He continued in an email, “Since I drive a ways to get to Bar A to watch the games, I usually get there early. Except for maybe one time I can remember, he was already there BEFORE me! We’d usually go to our spot in Bar A before the Raider game started and get ‘ready’ for the game. He was always approachable and knew the latest news of the Raiders. As a result, I got to talk to Frank and get to know him better than the previous years I had known him. I know some of you helped Frank with his personal ‘gadgets’ so he could enjoy the game better (cell phone, pencil/pen in his ‘holder’, wipe his glasses clean, adjust his big straw so he could drink from his big cup, and take pictures for him when guest were there). My heart would go out to the guy since he demonstrated what so many people like himself really want in life…. To be a part of the scene and to be treated like anyone else! I know that it will not sound funny when I can now admit that my favorite interaction with Frank is when he would order his ‘usual’ halftime food (hot dogs and beans) and allow me to cut the hot dogs up and assist with the meal. He is the kind of guy that made you think less of yourself and more about each other.”

Raider fans came to his time in need, providing these adaptive gadgets and devices to make his daily living more functional.

Frank garnered a reputation like no other, and his rituals were like no other.

As a JSRBC member Charlie Gavinelli stated, “Frank’s sporting interest life is the Raiders – in season or out of season. Frank’s game day activities began before 9AM Eastern, showing up 7 hours before kickoff. He dressed in Silver and Black from head to toe every game day, something we take for granted in our day-to-day lives.”

The Raiders were not to far behind with their generosity and showing their appreciation of Frank’s fandom; demonstrating compassion, deep concern and empathy for a member of the Raider Nation.

Chief Executive Amy Trask provided “a bit of the Raiders…” in a care package that included team gear and a football autographed by JaMarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, Nnamdi Asomugha and rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey.

On June 21^st, Raider legend Henry Lawrence, along with members of the JSRBC presented Frank with the generous gifts.

Bob Carr, owner of the largest online community for Raider fans remembered meeting a member of his web site (known as RaiderQuad), stating, “I remember meeting Frank back in 2004 at Bar-A  (the home of the Jersey Shore Raiders Booster Club). When I arrived at the bar, I noticed he was the first Raider fan there. We chatted a good hour or so, I handed him a flier and talked to him about Raiderfans.net. Later on that night, he signed up and became a member…. Frank was always a fixture on Sundays at Bar-A, regardless if the team won or lost the previous week, he showed up every Sunday.”

In another moment that demonstrates the care of these gridiron greats that have been effected by his story, current Raider linebacker and special teams ace Isaiah Ekejiuba and his sister, JSRBC member Felicia, found a way to enlighten Frank’s tough days with a visit that again demonstrated the care and love extended out to Frank.

Ekejiuba visited Frank while bedside in his hospital room, signed a cap for the die-hard and touched him in a way that only a Raider could.

President of the JSRBC, Gary M. Brown, recalled, “He could not cheer as loud as the rest of us, so he had his brother install a strobe light and a horn that Frank would use when ever the Raiders scored. He has been a fixture with our booster club for 5 plus years and always found a way to help the JSRBC out.”

Gavinelli recollects another great moment that made Frank a fixture on Sundays. In an email, he stated: “Gary mentions the horn on his wheelchair. One week, we were hitting on all cylinders and racked up a bunch of points. A touchdown was always the loud, long horn blast [on Frank’s wheelchair]. But, paying attention to detail, he’d pop the horn after [Sebastian Janikowski] nails the point after touchdown. Well, one week, a fan of the opposing team makes a crack about the horn.

‘Does he always have to play that horn?’

‘If you guys play some defense, he’ll stop.”

One thing that won’t stop is Frank’s devotion to the Raiders. And even through his difficult days, his passion for his team is undying. The Raider Nation hopes that Frank is able to watch some more touchdowns and view the Raiders win on the field as he has won throughout his whole life.

As Gavinelli stated in an e-mail, “to fight, claw and scratch every inch of the way. It takes a story like Frank’s to remind us that some people need to fight, claw and scratch just to do the routine things many take for granted.”

Phil Villapiano, a member of the JSRBC and a idol of Frank’s, was another Raider legend aware of how much Frank struggled in his life, but was boisterous and dedicated when it came to representing the Silver & Black.

Villapiano stated, “Frank is a tough person, a die-hard in every sense of the word and an inspiration on how he lived his life, was dedicated to the Jersey Booster Club, the Raiders and made us look at life in a different perspective.”

The Raider Nation thanks the JSRBC for all their contributions in making Frank’s life as enjoyable as possible. We all thank the Oakland Raiders for their sincere concern in illuminating Frank’s toughest days. To Frank and all his family, we will pray and hope that he continues to display pride & poise during these tough times.

Memoirs from those that care

Since we first met Frank Jenkins, he has really held a special place in our hearts. He is the most optimistic person we have ever met. If you ever have spent time talking with Frank, you will definitely walk away looking at life in a different way then you ever have before.

Frank is a man bound to a wheel chair since he was fifteen due to a football injury. The injury has never tainted his love for football or his love for life. He never used his disability to take advantage of anything; he even held a full time job at Fort Momouth, New Jersey, for twenty years.

When we first met Frank at Bar A, we realized his dedication to the Oakland Raiders goes beyond anything you could imagine. Even when his brother was not able to drop him off at the bar, Frank would take public transportation. He once told us that he had to take a train and a bus to get him from Eatontown, to Belmar; but that day he missed his bus transfer at Asbury Park and rode his electric wheel chair all the way from Asbury to Belmar (which is miles apart) and still made the game on time that day.  Now that’s dedication!

Frank also loved his photos with the ladies. I became his personal photographer. He would always make me take pictures of him and the Miller Lite girls that came to Bar A and all the other girls at the bar. He had a special way with the ladies; he definitely would get a lot of attention during the games.

Frank always wanted to attend the NFL draft and a home Raider game. One day we were talking about the NFL draft, and Frank wanted so badly to attend. I tried to get tickets for him, but had no luck. Luckily Frank made is own arrangements and was able to come up with two tickets to Radio City Music Hall. Frank took one of the soldiers he knew, he was being deployed soon to the Middle East.

When we spoke to him about it, he was elated. Like I mentioned before he had never used his disability for anything before, but for that one day, he told us he was treated like royalty. I believe he was given some Raider paraphernalia and met Al Davis’ brother.

Frank always had such a love for the Raiders, always dressed in Silver and Black and even his wheel chair was decorated.

Frank also is a very patriotic man. Always thinking of our Soldiers and the wounded warriors.  He truly is a special man!

Frank — we love you and our prayers and thoughts are with you always

Love,

Diane and John Dicks

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Video:

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpOldgeCYIY

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLYJkvrifDM

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVoN_UJeUcY

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgRGeNFVJNk

Part 5 of 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMDOCZWYpkY

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You can contact the Jersey Shore Raiders Booster Club:

JSRBC

102 Cardinal Road

Neptune, New Jersey 07753

Or through their web-site here:

Jersey Shore Raiders Booster Club

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Randy Moss pointed to the back of his jersey on both touchdowns yesterday during the New England Patriots 49-26 thrashing of the dreary Oakland Raiders.

As he needed any more attention drawn to him.

The crowd knew who it was and he enjoyed rubbing it in; as the former Raider had a victorious return to the Bay area with his 5 receptions for 67 yards and 2 scores. Heck, he even went up against the pride and joy of the Raider Nation – Nnamdi Asomugha – and drew a couple of flags on the steady cornerback while making a few receptions on the one player the Silver & Black have that is in the stratosphere with him. Ok…maybe not.

Moss showed the fans in Oakland how he plays when he wants to play. And he showed them how he can perform when he cares about football, or when he has an agenda against the opponent.

“That’s just Randy being Randy,” said LaMont Jordan, another ex-Raider who made a successful return to the Black Hole. “I was definitely happy for him, especially the way the Oakland media had no good things to say about him. … We came here together to wear the Oakland uniform and to try to turn that program around. It didn’t work out and we both left on bad terms.”

The team jettisoned Moss when he wanted no part of an organization that was floundering. They traded him for a fourth round draft selection (John Bowie) and ridded themselves of a malcontent that could’ve caused way more damage than he did in his two seasons.

Moss’ vindication didn’t come when he romped through the Raiders secondary. Yeah, he wanted to show Raider Nation what type of player he really is per Wes Welker. “I think it meant a lot to him,” said his fellow receiver. “There was a lot of focus on Randy this week, just like every week. But you could tell he wanted this game and really wanted to show what kind of player he is.”

His vindication came when he was moved to a team that demanded respect from him that could corral his volatility and channel that talent onto what matters – winning on the field.

Moss’ return to limelight last season and the statistical epic regular season and playoff run he had with Tom Brady were enough of ‘I told you so…’, for those that casted him off. And Moss’ march towards the Hall of Fame is what ultimately people will remember, not his exiled time in Oakland.

THE COMMISH IN OAKLAND

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was in attendance yesterday. He met with the media at halftime and spoke on a few topics:

WHY COME HERE NOW, COMMISSIONER?

“I try to get around to every stadium every couple of years. I haven’t been out here yet so…this is a game that we had picked a couple of months ago. I’m glad I’m here.”

YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THIS STADIUM FACILITY AND THE AREA? ONE OF THE OLDEST IN THE NFL?

“It is. And it’s something that we’ve been meeting with a lot of people today about how to address that from a long-term standpoint. It’s clear, and I think everyone accepts it, that something has to get done here with a new stadium at some point. And I’ve had a chance to talk to some of the leadership here about how we can help in that process.

“There are a lot of passionate fans here, as you know, from talking to fans here.”

THE RAIDERS HAVE NOT BEEN COMPETITIVE FOR SOME TIME. DOES IT FALL WITHIN YOUR REALM AS COMMISSIONER TO ADDRESS?

“Not individually, no. Competitiveness…I think we’ve got a very competitive league. The Dolphins showed how fast you can turn a franchise around. The Atlanta Falcons have showed how fast you can turn a franchise around.

“This franchise has been competitive for decades. I’m sure Mr. Davis and the Raiders are going to turn that around.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR THE RAIDERS TO REMAIN HERE IN OAKLAND ? THEIR LEASE IS UP IN A COUPLE OF YEARS.

“I think it’s important for all of our teams to stay in their communities. This is something we’ve focused on a n awful lot over the last 10 or 15 years, in trying to make sure we create an environment where the team can be successful, the community can be successful and together they can create a partnership that’s going to do great things for the fans and the community.”

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ANY OF YOUR MEETING WITH AL DAVIS?

“No. Nothing that is significant. We talked about a variety of different issues. I don’t mean it was that secretive.”

SO, YOU CAN’T DIVULGE ANY DETAILS?

“No, we had a good dialogue about a variety of things that are happening in the league. And that’s part of what I do when I go to markets is want to hear from owners, I want to hear from club people, I want to hear from fans, I want to hear from the media.”

BURGESS A NON FACTOR

Derrick Burgess has no sacks since his return to the line-up after missing six games due to injury. He has 1.5 sacks all season and none in the Raiders last four games. And with the lack of pressure they’ve applied in recent weeks, it’s becoming more obvious the glaring need to generate more of a pass rush.

Burgess had hopes for a big season after injuries slowed him early last year. He ended 2007 strong and the Raiders felt he would get back to his dominant 2005 and 2006 form when he compiled 27 sacks and had back-to-back pro bowl appearances.

With one year remaining left on his 5-year deal, Burgess has to show in 2009 that he will be deserving of the raise he felt he should’ve got before the start of last season.

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto — SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders have always been a pillar in the local community by encouraging it’s youth to get out and participate in local sports events hosted by the team, donating expensive equipment to local sports programs, footing the bill on Christmas shopping sprees for under-privileged kids, and even volunteering its time, sweat, and elbow grease in a partnership with Homes For Humanity in building homes for needing families. Read more…