The NFLPA recently posted their Top 50 jersey list and not surprisingly, only a couple Raiders players made the cut. If the team wants to be better represented, something has to change and Las Vegas could be exactly what they need.
Sales aren’t a reflection of talent
The list of most sold jerseys isn’t an indicator of how good a player is but rather how popular they are. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had a pedestrian season, compared to what he’s shown he’s capable of. Tom Brady himself had a mediocre season last year but still continued to have a top selling jersey.
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This past year, Derek Carr was 42nd and Jacobs ranked 21st. Not too shabby, but the Raiders can do better and should have more players in that list.
The solution is in Las Vegas
So what can the Raiders do to improve their apparel sales? Simply, take advantage of the reflectors they’re going to be exposed to. Great actors need a platform and there is no bigger venue than Las Vegas to perform in: The 2020 NFL Draft and the Allegiant Stadium opening will be held in Sin City.
City management already said that they’re going to close the Las Vegas Strip ahead of the draft. Maybe it’s just me, but I hear a lot of excitement ahead of the draft. Las Vegas isn’t as large as let’s say, New York City, but its glamour is second to none. Moreover the draft is just the appetizer.
Allegiant Stadium may not challenge A&T Stadium for the best stadium in the country, but the “Death Star” will have its own unique appeal. Pretty much everything looks better in black and the Raiders soon-to-be home won’t be any different.
Raiders have a stage so now what?
Here comes tricky part, the Raiders will have everyone’s attention as they host the NFL’s new venue. It will up to them to show they deserve the spotlight and their chance will be slim. Winning won’t be enough, they must do it right away.
In the same manner, if the Raiders falter, they will fade back to irrelevance. They will be the brand old toy children are tired of. Their advantage is that they’re in prime position to pick off where they left off.
Coming off having one of the best drafts in recent team history, the Raiders have enough picks to select cornerstone players in a few months. Those players in turn, could get enough recognition to see their jerseys make the Top 50.
The Raiders will have the Las Vegas main stage just for themselves, it’s up to them to perform in front of their biggest audience ever.
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