Raiders Fans Remain Loyal Despite Decades of Struggles

Devoted supporters share what keeps them coming back to the Silver and Black

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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As the Las Vegas Raiders begin a new era, their passionate fan base remains steadfast in their love for the team despite decades of ups and downs. Fans opened up about what draws them to the Raiders, expressing a mix of hope, pain, and unwavering loyalty that mirrors the team's own tumultuous history.

Why it matters

The Raiders' devoted fan base is a testament to the enduring power of sports fandom, even in the face of prolonged disappointment. Their stories shed light on how teams can become deeply intertwined with the personal lives and identities of their supporters, for better or worse.

The details

Fans shared a range of perspectives on what keeps them loyal to the Raiders. Some described the team as a reflection of the struggles in their own lives, with one fan saying "The Raiders mimic all the struggles we have in our lives. Hopeless despondency. Wasting resources. Lost opportunities. We are the Raiders. And the Raiders are us." Others acknowledged a masochistic draw to the team's perpetual underdog status, with one fan joking "I'm a masochist. I need the pain in my life evidently." Many expressed gratitude for the Raiders providing a source of hope and community during difficult times, with one fan saying the team "gave me something to hang onto, through some very dark times in my life."

  • The Las Vegas Raiders are beginning a new era in 2026.

The players

Desair.711

A Raiders fan who sees the team as a reflection of life's struggles.

DarylHarmonica

A self-described masochistic Raiders fan who embraces the team's perpetual underdog status.

YuccaBrevifolia

A Raiders fan who credits the team with providing hope and a reason to keep going during difficult times in their life.

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What they’re saying

“The Raiders mimic all the struggles we have in our lives. Hopeless despondency. Wasting resources. Lost opportunities. We are the Raiders. And the Raiders are us. But there is also hope. No matter what situation you are in, there is always hope.”

— Desair.711 (Yahoo Sports)

“I'm a masochist. I need the pain in my life evidently.”

— DarylHarmonica (Yahoo Sports)

“The Raiders gave me something to hang onto, through some very dark times in my life. They gave me something to look forward to, to cling to, and a reason to keep breathing. Angry though I may have been, they stirred the fight in me that kept me standing. So I'm forever grateful. And forever loyal.”

— YuccaBrevifolia (Yahoo Sports)

The takeaway

The Raiders' devoted fan base demonstrates the enduring power of sports fandom, even in the face of prolonged disappointment. Their stories highlight how teams can become deeply intertwined with the personal lives and identities of their supporters, providing a source of hope, community, and even cathartic pain during difficult times.