JaMarcus Russell: The Best Thing to Happen To Al Davis and The Raiders

It is pretty well known throughout the NFL, that Al Davis owns, runs and is the Oakland Raiders.  He has called the shots in practically all aspects of the organization for decades.  I believe Jamarcus Russell may have changed this. 

I know many who look at the title will wondering what is on this guy’s mind?  Did he have some of Jamarcus’s “Purple Drank”?   Well, with the turn of events that have taken place over the course of the past 3 years, I have come to the conclusion that the failure of Jamarcus Russell, may have single handedly transformed and penetrated the steel casing surrounding the persona of the Great Al Davis, which I believe will benefit the Raiders organization for years to come.  This may be a bit dramatic, but it’s just an assumption.

 

The Stage is Set

Jamarcus Russell was selected 1st in the NFL Draft of 2007.  Al Davis believed that he had found the Franchise Quarterback that would lead the Raiders back to their Commitment to Excellence.    After staging one of the longest holdouts in NFL history (he didn’t sign until the first week of the season), Russell signed a six year contract worth $68 million, with over $30 million guaranteed.   Al Davis is ecstatic.

 

The Awakening

Prior to the draft, Lane Kiffin made it clear to Al Davis that he didn’t want to draft Russell.  He didn’t think he was the best player in the draft and felt that Russell wouldn’t be able to help the Raiders for years to come because he was so “raw”.  In a letter, Davis informed Kiffin:  “I do realize that you did not want us to draft Jamarcus Russell. He is a great player. Get over it and coach this team on the field, that is what you were hired to do. We can win with this team,”   Kiffin disagreed and sat Russ...