Let’s get you caught up with some of the recent Las Vegas Raiders musings, including Derek Carr’s return and the latest with Brock Bowers.
While Raider Nation eagerly awaits training camp this month, there are still some intriguing tidbits making the rounds. Carr, who remains a polarizing topic, could very well be on his way back to the Raiders. Though let’s be clear, it’s not to be a player, as he’s currently enjoying retirement.
While catching up with Carr on the golf course, Shannon Kelly of Nevada Sports Net was able to get an intriguing update from No. 4. We’re referring to the former Raiders quarterback getting back into Allegiant Stadium and witnessing a game. “I’ve already talked to Mr. Davis; we’ve already talked; Mark’s already called me. We’re going to talk and figure out what that looks like and when that looks like,” Carr stated. “I can’t wait to get back to a Raiders game and get down there on the sideline and see the fans again. That’s my place.”
Seeing Carr back in Allegiant Stadium is sure to evoke strong emotions from longtime fans of the franchise. The legacy of the former signal-caller and organizational cornerstone will undoubtedly spark debates when that moment arrives.
Speaking of cornerstones, All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers recently recalled a fun memory from his collegiate days.
Raiders TE Brock Bowers recalls who hit him the hardest…
Bowers, who’s coming off one of the greatest seasons ever for any Raiders player, will have the spotlight on him this season. With new quarterback Geno Smith now taking the reins, Bowers could actually be in store for another campaign that’ll draw headlines. Consider this: if Bowers managed to earn All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection despite the mediocre quarterback situation that hindered the 2024 Raiders, just think about what he could accomplish with Smith at the helm.
During his appearance on “Bussin’ With The Boys,” Bowers relaxed and enjoyed himself on the podcast. Notably, he recalled who hit him the hardest during his college career at Georgia. Unsurprisingly for Bulldog fans, it turns out that it was his teammate Trayvon Walker. “I think he had carbon-fiber wrist braces and stuff, so he would be out there just clubbing people. I would try to block him, and he would club my arms, and I just remember my arms being so beat up,” Bowers mentioned.
Moreover, Bowers openly revealed that his teammate once laid him out during practice. Interestingly enough, the duo went on to become early first-round selections in the NFL draft—Walker himself went No. 1 overall. Bowers, for his part, would’ve been a top three pick had it not been for the deep quarterback class that overshadowed him.
Fast forward to this season, and Bowers also discussed his new head coach.
A new day (and energy) for the Raiders in 2025…
After a disastrous season under former head coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders underwent a significant transformation under Pete Carroll’s leadership. A new regime from top to bottom with just a few remnants, such as Patrick Graham and Rob Leonard staying on board with the defensive staff.
Speaking to that, Bowers showered praise on the new sheriff in town. “Coach Carroll brings the energy; he brings the juice. It’s been awesome being part of that, and hopefully we get something special going in Vegas,” Bowers stated. Bowers will now be developing under proven leaders like Coach Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, a shift from his previous coach.
Once again, at the risk of sounding repetitive, if Bowers achieved what he did last season despite the organizational setbacks, one can only imagine what 2025 might hold.
*Top Photo: Getty Images