The Las Vegas Raiders have their share of celebrity fans, from Guy Fieri to Too Short. There’s no shortage of representation. However, the crown of Raider Nation’s celebrity fandom goes to Ice Cube and the rapper recently took a friendly jab at the new minority owner Tom Brady.
Ownership is not the only area witnessing sweeping changes. The squad is also seeing new faces, especially at the cornerback position. This revamped group will now have the challenge of stopping a talented batch of quarterbacks in the AFC West. Let’s examine the latest news buzzing around the Raiders.
Ice Cube is ready to welcome Tom Brady to Raider Nation
Brady is entering his first season as a minority owner now that he’s officially retired. Despite the former quarterback having seven Super Bowl rings, Ice Cube is willing to treat Brady as a rookie.
Additionally, the legendary rapper already has at least some hazing ideas planned out for the soon-to-be Hall of Famer. Ice Cube frequents Allegiant Stadium, so it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to mess with Brady.
“He’s a rookie with the Raiders, so he might have to go get donuts,” Ice Cube said jokingly to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin. “(We) might need him to get coffee, grab luggage, grab a couple bags, you know what I’m saying? So we’ll see how his rookie year goes, and if he’s Raider-worthy, he’ll get a spot on the squad. But right now, he [is] a rookie. And he better remember he’s a rookie.”
The three-time NFL MVP will soon get a taste of how big Raider Nation is and how far it reaches. Whether it’s good or bad, the passionate fandom will be loud. Boston may have a lot of noise surrounding the Patriots, but the Raiders are at a different level.
Still, this is also an exemplary aspect of ownership, as Tom Brady has a fan base that cares and will be there through thick and thin. The Raiders have the allure of convincing players to wear the iconic Silver and Black.
Although they can now lean on the five-time Super Bowl MVP if a player in free agency needs sold on joining the franchise. Brady brings a lot of credibility to Las Vegas, even though his stake in the organization is minuscule. But that likely won’t prevent him from the friendly hazing he could receive from Ice Cube and others.
Do the Raiders have enough depth at cornerback heading into this season?
Vegas has to have a quality secondary, considering the vaunted passing attacks in their division. The team’s playoff hopes likely ride on those six games against the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers.
All three foes have top-tier quarterbacks that will give the Raiders trouble. Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert don’t need any explanation for the challenges they bring to opposing defenses. Also, the AFC West should prepare for Russell Wilson to have a bounce-back season with new head coach Sean Payton in the fold.
This led to CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan pondering the question: Does Vegas have enough talent to slow down these superstar passers?
“One of the big holes on defense does seem to be the cornerback position,” Sullivan wrote. “Currently, the Raiders are slated to start David Long Jr. and Duke Shelley.” Neither has been a full-time starter at the position. Shelley started just five games for the Vikings last season and Long only started four games for the Rams.
“That’s a lot of inexperience in a secondary that’s going to be asked to slow down the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Russell Wilson twice this season.”
If the Raiders’ cornerback depth chart can hold it together on defense, this roster will have a shot to win games, especially within their division. If the unit struggles, it will be a long 2023 season for the Raider faithful. Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, and the quarterbacks in the AFC West will feast.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images