We lost Gene Upshaw this morning to pancreatic cancer. He was only 63 years old.

The Raiders drafted Gene Upshaw in 1967, the year before I was born. I was lucky enough to see him play several times when I was a little kid. I wish I could remember more about his field presence. Just going to the games was a stimulation overload, in the best possible way. His image, however, is ingrained in my memories. Not only has our Raider family lost a large and influential man, the NFL has lost one if it’s greatest ambassadors.

Gene played during the days when Raiders lived among us middle class folks. They weren’t millionaires. They didn’t live in mansions or exclusive communities. Their kids went to school with us. Their wives shopped at the grocery store with our moms. While they gave Continue Reading »

By: Knup on Aug 21st, 2008
Tagged as: RaiderRefuge.com

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We’re two games into the pre-season, so I feel comfortable enough, based on what I’ve seen thus far, to submit my official game-by-game predictions. I’ll be honest, I’m leaning towards optimism. Now this isn’t like me. I usually lower my expectations to protect myself from the pain of disappointment. However, there is something about this team that has me excited. I honestly feel that if things click, and we get a few lucky breaks here and there, we could be on the good side of .500. I’m rolling with that.

Oakland Raiders, 2008-9 Season
9-7

Monday, September 8 – Denver Broncos
Win. We open the season at home on MNF against our arch nemesis. The stage couldn’t be set any better for a season making win to get Continue Reading »

By: Knup on Aug 18th, 2008
Tagged as: RaiderRefuge.com

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I cannot tell you how good it felt to be back in my seat at the Coli. Playing the Niners at home always brings the eyesore of red jerseys popping out against our sea of black. It’s unnatural, and the only way to remedy the situation is to beat them early and send them streaming up the isles before the game clock expires.

We succeeded.

Here is the first of my game reports from the Coliseum for the 2008 Season!

Raiders vs 49rs, 18-6 – WIN

• The Offensive squad was introduced by name for the first time since I can remember. The last two players announced were Justin Fargas and JaMarcus Russell, loud ovation for both. Surprisingly, Javon Continue Reading »

By: Knup on Aug 9th, 2008
Tagged as: Game Reports

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The Dallas Cowboys let go of veteran WR Terry Glenn today. Glenn just turned 34 years old, and missed the entire regular season in 2007 due to arthroscopic knee surgery. His only stats came in the Cowboys playoff loss to the Super Bowl Champion Giants; 2 receptions for 30 yards. His availability interests me a great deal.

Our depth at WR, or rather, our lack of depth at WR, concerns me. On the right side we have Ronald Curry and Johnnie Lee Higgins – I like Higgins, his speed is exciting. His talent might lean towards special teams but he’s worth the legitimate look at WR. On the left we’ve got Javon Walker and possibly Chris McFoy, the FA who played in our Continue Reading »

By: Knup on Jul 25th, 2008
Tagged as: RaiderRefuge.com

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Welcome to Raider Refuge!

By: Knup on Feb 2nd, 2008
Tagged as: RaiderRefuge.com

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