A Raiders Thanksgiving

Thanks to the readers and commentators of Raider Take for making this a fun place to hang out, and for inspiring lively discussion and debate about our team.

Thanks to the Oakland Raiders for being a focal point of bonding and entertainment for my family, dating back more than 30 years, and spanning two generations (with Mini Take ready to make it three).

Thanks to Amy Trask and crew for devising a sensible new ticketing program that is packing the house.

Thanks to those local sportswriters who report on both the good and the bad of the Oakland Raiders without resorting to immature cheap shots or sloppy reasoning.

Thanks to my fellow Black Flag Network members, Calico Jack and Stick 'Em, for their continued insights, support and inspiration. Thanks also to RaiderNews.com (aloha AllyOop!), RaiderFans.net (thanks Raiders40!), Raider Nation Podcast, RaiderWorld.net, Raiders Links, Inside Bay Area's Raiders Page, and other forums that spread the good word.

Thanks to the new generation of Raiders players who provide a foundation for good things to come.

Thanks to the veteran players who continue to set a competitive tone amid challenging circumstances.

Thanks to all of the Raiders fans who make the gameday experience fun and familial.

Thanks to John Madden for an incredible pre-game speech prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Thanks to Greg Papa for blessing us with outstanding play-by-play. I listen to other team broadcasts via Sirius NFL Radio, and Greg Papa is clearly the cream of the crop.

Thanks to Jim Otto, Fred Biletnikoff, Tom Flores, Jim Plunkett, Art Shell and other Raiders legends for their unwavering allegiance to the team and the fans. They embody the loyalty that defines both the Oakland Raiders and Raider Nation.

Thanks to Al Davis for fostering the greatest franchise and fan base in the NFL. He is the soul of the Raiders, the originator and innovator of the authentic Oakland Raiders experience.