DT Wilkins Impressed by the Passion of Raider Nation
Raider Nation is one of the most historic and devoted fan bases in sports, making them a significant asset to have on your side.
New Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins will have that luxury. While it will be a first, the veteran has seen the fandom up close three times in his career so far.
"It's funny, someone asked me after the news and everything that I was coming here, where's my favorite place to play?" Wilkins said at his introductory press conference on Thursday. "And I've always said it, it didn't click until they asked again, and I was like, I've always loved playing here [Allegiant Stadium]. The stadium gets crazy, you definitely feel Raider Nation.
"Raider Nation is real, Raider Nation is alive, and it's just different here. Travel well, even being in Miami, you see a lot of Silver and Black everywhere and you're just like, man, you definitely feel it and understand like the history and everything like that. So again, I can't say enough just excited to be a part of it all."
New Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (right) has faced the Raiders three times in his career and is quite familiar with the intensity Raider Nation brings.
© Mark J. Rebilas | 2020 Dec 26
Wilkins had some former teammates in Miami who were Raiders in the past, players who experienced the intensity and pride of Raider Nation.
"Talking to some of the guys that have been here before, just even a conversation years ago, before I even knew this was going to be a possibility for me, you just kind of hear the great things that guys are saying about the fan base, Raider Nation, the organization, all that stuff," Wilkins said. "I'm just like, "Oh that's cool, that's what's up. I'm glad you get to experience that.'
"And when this became an option for me, that stuff kind of resonated and you kind of recall that stuff that guys were saying, about how guys felt about being here. So, you're like, 'OK that's definitely a place I can see myself and want to be a part of.'"
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.
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