Two European Die-Hard Raider Fans Share Their Story

Two United Kingdom parliament members had the opportunity to share their stories on how they became die-hard Silver and Black fans.

Undoubtedly, the NFL is growing and expanding in popularity in Europe. The Las Vegas Raiders are among the many teams in the NFL with a solid European fan base.

In a recent Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast with our Hondo Carpenter Sr., he was joined by two United Kingdom parliament members, Chris Stephens and Gavin Newlands from Scotland, who are die-hard Silver and Black fans.

Both had the chance to talk about many Silver and Black topics, including how they became die-hard Raider fans, starting with Stephens.

"It started when American football started to be shown in the UK, and that started with a program called World of Sports that used to be on a Saturday afternoon and covered a whole range of sports," Stephens said.
"On Saturday, they were showing highlights of the Super Bowl, and it was a Super Bowl in which the Raiders beat the Redskins and that wonderful 74-yard run from the great Marcus Allen. So that's where it started."

Newlands also shared his story of becoming a die-hard Silver and Black fan.

Las Vegas Raiders are one of many NFL teams who have a strong fanbase in many European countries

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

"My dad was a big American football fan and an L.A. Rams fan, so being from Scotland, he thought the rivalry would be within the city," Newlands said. "I assumed that the early Raiders were rivals to the early Rams, so I decided to support the L.A. Raiders to get one over my father. 

"Sadly, I quickly realized that the Raiders were not rivals of the Rams, but my choice was made. I've been following the Raiders ever since, and Bo Jackson would have been my favorite player then." 

The full interview and last episode of the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast with the two United Kingdom parliament members can be watched when you click here.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.