Good morning, Broncos Country!
I was born and raised to do two things: Love the Denver Broncos and hate the Oakland Raiders.
It’s in that refrain a recent trend bothers the bejesus out of me — members of the fan base and media actually say this rivalry doesn’t matter anymore. I went on an epic rant about this on the latest MHR Radio Podcast.
The Raiders are the rival for the Broncos, and that always will be the case. Make no mistake, I have serious disdain for the Kansas City Chiefs, but it will never match the hatred I have for the shit franchise in silver and black. For those who say this rivalry doesn’t matter anymore, you should have to tell that to former Broncos linebacker Tom Jackson and see his reaction.
What would help breathe life back into this rivalry, at least from an organizational stand point, is to have Jackson speak to the team at training camp or before that season’s first Raiders game to tell the players and coaches why this rivalry matters. Why it’s so important to beat the Raiders. I think that kind of crash-course from the Broncos Ring of Famer would help the fans too.
All of this news surrounding the #Broncos, plus it's #RaiderWeek in #BroncosCountry. @AdamMalnati16 & I go through the latest, break down the importance of the rivalry (w/an epic rant from me) & what to watch for on the @MileHighReport Radio Podcast. https://t.co/p0OODE6r7V
— Ian St. Clair (@IanStClair) December 19, 2018
I was always told personal anecdotes are great for stories like this, so here’s one.
Adam Malnati and I were running late to the Sept. 22, 2003, Monday Night Football game at then-Invesco Field at Mile High. Our tickets were in the South Stands, and as we were making our way up the ramp to our seats, a Raiders fan was waving a flag in our faces and screaming like a douche. I shoved him to the ground while a cop looked on just behind the said fan. The cop walked over to ensure nothing else happened, and the fan went on his way. The cop smiled at me and said, “I would have done the same thing, just don’t do it again.” What made the night even better is the Broncos won 31-10.
I could have saved myself a lot of words by just saying I hate the Raiders, and they always will be the Broncos’ biggest rival.
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What is your Broncos-Raiders story? Let us know in the comments.
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