OAKLAND -– The Raiders and San Diego Chargers have been rivals for 50-plus years. They’re dogs and cats, with fan bases like oil and water. These franchises have played 111 times dating back to the AFL’s inception, always in the same division.
Thursday night’s game at O.co Coliseum could be the last time that’s the case. The Raiders and Chargers have partnered on a stadium proposal in Carson, as both teams are focused on relocating out of their home markets.
If both teams are approved to move next season and NFL owners select the Carson project as currently constructed over the St. Louis Rams’ project in Inglewood, it’s expected one AFC West team would move to the NFC West to avoid significant scheduling crossover. Reports have indicated the Raiders would make a move.
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While there is an old connection between the clubs -- late Raiders owner Al Davis was once a Chargers coach -- the rivalry has been strong for decades. Despite that, Raiders owner Mark Davis and Chargers owner Dean Spanos have become friends since their Carson partnership was announced in February.
“It could be an odd marriage,” Raiders fullback Marcel Reece said. “There’s mutual respect, but never any love. Business is business, and (a possible partnership) is way above our pay grade. When we see each other on the field, there will be helmets cracking. This game is going to be intense, like it always is.”
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This on-field rivalry has been a fun one filled with memorable games during a series nearly split, with the Raiders leading 59-50-2.
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Even recently, when the Chargers have largely controlled proceedings, playing the Chargers is fun for players.
That’s true for Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, who has been played the Raiders since 2003. He talked extensively about the rivalry during a conference call with Raiders reporters, specifically about battles waged in the East Bay.
NFL owners are expected to resolve their L.A. situation in January, meaning Thursday’s game could be the last Raiders game ever played at O.co Coliseum.
“It’s been an unbelievable place to go play a football game,” Gates said. “Since I’ve been a kid, going and playing and watching Oakland play was always something special, and obviously the historical moments and history of their franchise. So I’m quite sure it’ll have the same emotional affect for the guys who have been there and been a part of that organization for a while.”
The Chargers had an emotional farewell with fans on Sunday. They beat the Dolphins in what is perceived to be the last game in San Diego, after which Gates, quarterback Philip Rivers, safety Eric Weddle and other San Diego mainstays remained on the field with fans. Several players lost control of their emotions thinking about the possible end of a 55-year run on San Diego.
“At certain times I was just trying to hold it together,” Gates said. “There are so many memories, so many wars and battles on that football field. … It’s a special place for me. It’s the only place I’ve been for the past 13 years. I’ve shared so many memories with so many different players and obviously particularly playing that final game at the stadium, it was emotional. I’m glad we responded well and we got to get the victory.”
The Raiders hope to do the same thing for the fans and for safety Charles Woodson, who announced his retirement Monday and will play his last home game against the Chargers.
Even with the crowd rooting against them, Gates has always respected Oakland’s faithful.
“It gets kind of crazy there, but for the most part, it’s always been an unbelievable place to go and compete,” Gates said. “I appreciate the loyalty of the fans and how in spite of anything Oakland’s been through, they’ve always been there to support them, so I think that’s something as a player you can appreciate.”
The longest-tenured Raiders have a strong connection with the community that has supported them through tough times.
“There is nothing like these fans,” Reece said. ““The fans are a major part of the mystique of the Oakland Raiders. We love them. They fuel us.
“I cherish every time I get to drive into the stadium and feel the energy. It’s going to be a great experience. It’s going to be packed. It’s going to be fun.”