It is absolutely no secret that Raider Nation loves, admires and misses CB Charles Woodson and has since the day he left Oakland in 2005. After being drafted by the Raiders fourth overall in 1998 NFL Draft, Woodson went on to win two Defensive Rookie of the Year awards, was a three-time All-Pro and a four-time Pro Bowler just during his stay in the Bay. Not only is Woodson highly acclimated, but he is beloved by Raiders fans everywhere (probably the most beloved Raider in the last decade) and now the Nation is going to prove it tomorrow.

So far, 272 Raiders fans have RSVP’d on Facebook to this gathering that will take place tomorrow morning in Alameda County at Raiders HQ. Fans will be in attendance to tailgate and welcome Woodson once he touches down in an attempt to woo him back to the Black Hole. What was originally a harmless idea that was posted on Twitter has now blown up into a full-fledged “movement”, as the Raider Nation is calling it. It worked for when Philip Wheeler was trying to decide on where to sign last offseason, so why can’t it work now on an even bigger scale?

Although Woodson’s intentions are still unknown, all I do know is that Raider Nation would love to have the man back on the roster (or “back home”, as we’ve been saying) and we want it bad. The 36-year-old CB may not be in his prime any longer, and may have become a tad injury-prone over the last couple of years, but he would be an immense presence in the locker room. I think the consensus of the fan base is that our minds are set on him mentoring young CBs the Raiders have brought/will bring in, showing them how it’s done and learning from the best.

The support from the NFL and an ex-player has meant a lot to the Nation as well:

I truly do hope that this effort put forth by the fan base works; I’m certainly ready to dust off my #24 Woodson Raiders home jersey and I can’t wait to see a lot of fans wearing theirs at this even tomorrow morning and afternoon. Hopefully Woodson feels compelled and loved enough to make the Raiders his top priority once again.

As much as it is hard to see these three players in particular leave Oakland, GM Reggie McKenzie is cleaning house and it is well overdue. Unfortunately this is the business side to professional football, but as a fan, sometimes you get attached to players – especially ones who have been around 6+ years like Michael Huff.

Michael Huff and Darrius Heyward-Bey both started their careers with the Raiders, being drafted in 2006 and 2009 respectively. Although their production has not matched their first-round labels, and they have come under media scutiny for years because of it, these two players are two of the hardest working in the bunch. Not once did they complain, and they kept their noses to the grindstone at all times. If there’s one thing you can’t say about either player, it’s that they don’t have a work ethic.

Philip Wheeler, however, was only with us one season, but boy did he shine! You couldn’t miss those long dreadlocks whipping around on the field. The man has heart, drive and determination – it’s no surprise to any Raiders fan that he was snatched up as quickly as he was by the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday.

DHB’s farewell to Raider Nation

Huff’s farewell to the Raider Nation

Wheeler’s farewell to the Raider Nation

It was exceptionally classy of Heyward-Bey to thank, above all, the late Al Davis – without Al, I’m not sure where Heyward-Bey would be today. He came out of the woodwork and surprised everyone by being drafted so high in 2009. Let’s just say that ESPN didn’t know what to make of it either, haha.

On behalf of The Silver Lining, I am wishing happy trails to all three of these guys. Best of luck in the future to each of you (just not as much luck as the Oakland Raiders need).

I wanted to share with you guys this video I found yesterday. It’s an Errol Morris ESPN Film called “Team Spirit” – it’s about fans who, even after they die, take the love for their teams with them.

The Raiders are mentioned starting at 1:55, but the entire short film is worth watching. It made me smile, at least. I don’t have a will of my own yet, but in it, I would mention that I want that tombstone – you’ll see the one.

Let me know what you thought!

BUST IT, BOYS: Rolando McClain (55) sprinting between Travis Goethel (50) & rookie, Nathan Stupar, (54) back in May. And Stupar probably thought it was tough then… Photo: AP.

The day is upon us, Raider Nation – only 3 days away. And this year, more fans will be allowed to attend training camp in Napa Valley! The following is a direct statement from the Raiders official website of how you can get there:

Each summer since establishing Training Camp in Napa in 1996, the Raiders have invited youth groups, military groups, community groups, booster clubs, sponsors, suite holders, and broadcast partners to enjoy watching the team practice and prepare for the football season.

This year, even more fans will be able to visit Training Camp to get an up-close look at the Silver and Black, as the team prepares for an exciting 2012 NFL season.

Beginning Friday, July 27 at 10:00 a.m., fans wishing to attend a practice in Napa can visit any Raider Image location and receive two tickets to one practice, while supplies last.  Tickets will be available for practices on Friday, August 3, Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5. The tickets are free of charge and no purchase is necessary. 

Fans wishing to attend a practice in Napa must have a ticket. There will be no entry without a ticket to the applicable practice. 

Limited parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis on the grounds of Redwood Middle School (enter on Oxford Street), and at the Napa Valley Marriott, at the south end of the hotel behind the spa.

Visit http://www.raiders.com/fans/training-camp.html for a list of Raider Image locations, a list of items that will not be allowed at practice, and for more information.

You lucky Bay Area brats better be showing up if you’re able to! I will just continue to sit up here in Ontario, Canada.. in my igloo.. crying, while you all gallivant around in the sun in your Raider gear, watching the 2012 Raiders live.

Mark it on your calendars, Raider Nation! The 2012 Raider Nation Celebration will be taking place in Oakland on August 12 this year, a day before the Raiders will meet the Cowboys for their first preseason game on Monday Night Football.

No official details have been released for the event as of yet, but last year the event took place at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza in downtown Oakland. Players and coaches were at the pep rally to meet and mingle with fans.

I will provide more updated details as they are released to the public as we are just over a month away. In the meantime, here is some footage from 2010′s Raider Nation Celebration shot by a fan.

Update: As per the Oakland Raiders Official Website:

The Oakland Raiders will celebrate the start of football this year with the Raider Nation Celebration on Sunday, August 12 from 1 – 4 p.m. at O.co Coliseum, in parking lot “B,” which is located on the south side of the Coliseum Complex.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the general public and takes place one day before the Oakland Raiders kick off the 2012 campaign in the national spotlight, hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, August 13.

The Raider Nation Celebration will be highlighted by the introduction of first-year coach Dennis Allen and the 2012 Raiders and Raiderettes.

The event will also feature an interactive Kid’s Zone as well as autograph opportunities with Raider Legends and Raiderettes.

A number of exclusive opportunities – locker room tours for season ticket holders and a food tasting for suite holders – will also be part of this year’s Raider Nation Celebration.

Those attending the Raider Nation Celebration will be able to shop at special on site Raider Image, the team’s official store, and food and alcohol-free beverage concessions stands will be available to fans.

There will also be the opportunity for fans to select tickets for Raider games in what stacks up to be a challenging, exciting 2012 schedule. The Raiders also open the 2012 regular season in prime time, hosting AFC West rival San Diego Chargers on Monday night, September 10, in the second half of the ESPN double-header.

Posted July 11, 2012 around 4pm EST/1pm PST.