If you were a fan of the TV show “Lost” then you should be familiar with the term and episode titled “The Constant.” It refers to something in your life that can ground you. Something that can help you realize what’s important in life and what’s not. For Raiders’ fans, we’re in need of knowing our “Constant” during this time.
Raiders Fans: In difficult times, a “Constant” is needed
For many fans who reside in the East Bay and the surrounding area, it could be stated that their constant, the Raiders, are moving away. Being ripped from them by a funky-haired son of a legend and a gentrified cheerleader set on making a name for herself in the political scene. However, I would argue, Raiders fans’ their constant is not going anywhere.
The Raiders, when you boil it all down, mean nothing to any of us. A connection to another person that has resulted from attending a Raiders’ game or being a Raiders’ fan means something to us. The connections during a tailgate, seeing someone wearing a shirt walking down the street, fist-bumping someone you don’t know after a Raiders touchdown at the Coliseum, your father teaching you at a young age about his favorite Raiders’ players; this is what connects us. People need people. People also need a reason to need people.
Relationships demand a context. The context, except for a brief 13 year period between 1982-1995, since 1960 for many in the East Bay and beyond has been the Raiders. Meals are shared because of this. Strangers have became friends. Fathers have reconnected with their sons.  None of these things have to change when the Raiders leave. None of these things are dependent on the Raiders or any other sports franchise. However, a new context must emerge.
I would encourage fans who are feeling any of the myriad of emotions ever since the Las Vegas vote happened to re-examine their “Constants”. What or who is it that grounds you?  Is it faith? Family? Friends? Whatever it is, that doesn’t have to end once the Raiders leave. You just need to find a new context to connect with those you love and care about. I mean,  most people would enjoy eating BBQ Chicken and drinking alcohol before 10:00am on Sundays. They just need an invitation…
For more Information
For more on this discussion check out our Podcast, Episode #27. We interview Pastor Armando Leon from (Raider)Nation Ministries. He shares stories of his faith, praying with Roger Goodell during a Raiders’ game and much more…
