Mark Davis brought head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler to Las Vegas so they could, in large part, infuse the “Patriot Way,” into a Raiders franchise that needs stability now perhaps more than ever.
But NFL players are never tempted to buy lavish mansions in New England to lounge in during the offseason. That is, however, the case in Las Vegas.
When Davante Adams was rumored to have bought a $12 million mansion in Vegas recently, many Raiders fans and observers saw it as a sign that the potential free-agent wideout — and buddy of Raiders QB Derek Carr — was getting fitted for his silver and black uniform.
But really, it only highlights the added degree of difficulty McDaniels and Ziegler have in the nation’s entertainment capital, AKA Sin City.
First, here’s some info on the rumor surrounding Adams, the Packers’ star wide receiver. He could become a free agent this offseason if Green Bay doesn’t re-sign him or franchise tag him.
Idk who that is either everyone carry on https://t.co/4AIl9WWsh5
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) March 4, 2022
Just for clarity, The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, who covers the Packers and used to be on the Raiders beat, stated the obvious. Lots of rich people buy mansions in the nation’s hot spots, Las Vegas certainly included.
Alternate headline is “rich person buys house”
Davante ain’t playing for the Raiders. https://t.co/vPWk4mSO1M
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) March 4, 2022
Las Vegas isn’t exclusive to off-field temptations. New York, also known as the City That Never Sleeps, and Miami, with its famous beaches and nightlife, also qualify. And it’s debatable whether issues that some Raiders players have had in Vegas — such as Josh Jacobs, Nate Hobbs, Damon Arnette, and, sadly, Henry Ruggs — are directly related to the Raiders’ new locale.
But it’s clear that the Patriot Way, which is highlighted by a “do your job or you’ll be shipped out” mentality, has never been tested in a city that offers 24-hour entertainment and has a reputation as the nation’s playground.
Take the case of Jacobs. When asked about whether the Raiders will pick up Jacobs’ fifth-year contract option, McDaniels raved about his ability. He also said he’s told Jacobs he has to take better care of the football, telling The Athletic’s Vic Tafur that “We’re going to work on [Jacobs’] ball security. We’ve already had that conversation.”
But have they had a conversation about Jacobs wrecking his sports car near the Las Vegas airport at 4:42 in the morning, as reported by TMZ? If not, either McDaniels or Ziegler probably should. And that’s a conversation that was likely never necessary in New England.
The same goes for Hobbs. One of the bright spots for the Raiders last season, Hobbs was arrested in January after he was found asleep behind the wheel of his car in a hotel parking garage near the Las Vegas Strip at 4 a.m. He later pleaded guilty to a careless driving charge after a DUI charge was dropped.
The Patriot Way is a football-only mentality. But in Fabulous Las Vegas, there’s much more than football. Around-the-clock allure. Bright lights. Warm nights. And the temptation that comes with all of it. The Raiders’ new regime will have to negotiate that to some extent, whether they realize it or not.
Because NFL players don’t buy million-dollar mansions in New England just for fun.
If the Raiders play their cards right, the allure of Las Vegas can become an advantage. But the desert oasis is called Sin City for a reason. The faster McDaniels and Ziegler accept that reality, the better off they’ll be as they attempt to build a disciplined franchise in a place most Americans visit to blow off some steam and in many cases, act a fool.
Las Vegas residents often say that once you live in Sin City, the allure wears off. That definitely makes sense. But not every NFL player adopts his team’s city as their home, as Carr has. For many, their professional home is not their real home. It’s the place they stay part-time during the season. They’re extended-stay tourists, if you will.
So add one more aspect to what will ideally become the Raider Way. Do your job. Study your playbook. Play hard. Hold onto that football. And for the love of the football gods, stay off the dang strip at four in the morning. The same goes for Adams if he does indeed end up in a Raiders uniform, against all odds.
The Raiders’ new regime need only look at their team’s recent past to realize their new reality, and for the sake of the franchise moving forward, it’s best they do so sooner rather than later. Because clearly, they’re not in New England anymore.
