Oakland Raiders: 5 Reasons Why It’s Okay To Be A Fan Again

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fan Mark Acascio aka Gorilla Rilla cheers in the Black Hole end zone against the Buffalo Bills at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders have one of the most devout, loyal, and passionate fan bases in all of professional sports. Or as some like to put it – the most insane and masochistic. And after a decade of losing, it’s not difficult to understand why they might think that.

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But that’s the greatest thing about the Raider Nation – whether the Raiders go 0-16 or 16-0, the team’s fan base still very vocally supports the team and its players. Of course, if the team is closer to the 0-16 side of the ledger, there is sometimes a bit more angst and grumbling than usual.

Not a lot of teams out there can claim to have more devoted and loyal fans than the Raiders.

That being said, there are a good number of folks out there who like and support the team, but are afraid to declare that loyalty publicly. Perhaps they’re afraid of the ridicule that sometimes comes with being a fan of a team that’s been down for so long – because we all know there is nothing more vicious and mean than a Raider Hater, especially when the Raiders are down on their luck.

Raider Haters do seem to love little more in this world than kicking Raider fans while they’re down. It’s like a sport, or at least a highly enjoyable hobby to them.

But things are changing in Oakland. They’re changing in a big way and the team is most definitely trending upward. With a stable of young, talented, and exciting playmakers in the fold, as well as some savvy veteran leadership, brighter days indeed appear to be on the horizon for the Silver and Black.

With the arrow pointing up for the Raiders, it’s time to encourage all of those Raider fans in hiding to come on out. Because many of us know somebody like that, don’t we? Be it a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, cousin, or a friend, most all of us know somebody who’s a Raider fan in hiding.

If you do happen to know a Raider fan in hiding, here are five reasons you can give them for why it’s okay to come on out and be a fan once more…

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