Raiders: How Thursday game in Canton brings back McDaniels’ memories

Josh McDaniels says “It’ll be really an experience. Surreal is probably a good word for it,” via Raiders.com – CC

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels is set to lead his team onto the field in the Hall of Fame Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Canton, where he was raised.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is something that is extremely near to him because it is only a few minutes away from his campus when he attended McKinley High School. Thom McDaniels, his father, who has the most victories in Canton McKinley school history, coached Josh as a child while he was growing up and playing football in Canton.

“It was never lost on me that this is a special place. There is such an element of history and tradition,” McDaniels said.

McDaniels’ reaction to learning that the Raiders will play in the Hall of Fame is also highly emotional. Additionally, because he used to hold home games there while he was playing with the Varsity Bulldogs, McDaniels has a deep bond with the stadium.

“It was a great place to be a young boy that loved football and what a blessing that I have an opportunity to come back there and do it. I never would have dreamed that this would have happened.”

When visiting Canton, it is known that McDaniels will also bring his wife Laura and their four children, as well as spend time with his parents, his relatives, and former classmates.

McDaniels is also eager to see his team members experience the Hall of Fame on Thursday as the number of Raiders who had never visited the museum before also caught his attention.

Branch, Seymour induction

On a different occasion, wide receiver Cliff Branch and defensive lineman Richard Seymour will both be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday at Benson Stadium, two days after the game.

The fact that Richard and Cliff will be inducted into the Hall of Fame while they are there makes McDaniels unable to contain his gratitude.

“… so to be able to represent the league and our team going there and playing with Richard and Cliff going in, it’s just an exciting opportunity for us and I think our team is excited.”

The Raiders’ punter A. J. Cole III also voiced his satisfaction with the game’s location in Canton, stating that he enjoys museums much and would use the game as an opportunity to learn more about the Hall of Fame members of the Raiders.

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr also remembers how, when another well memorable game draws near, he finds it difficult to focus on the preseason. Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah has been to the Hall of Fame before, but he plans to take advantage of this opportunity to increase his motivation for himself and his team.

In response to a question regarding the preseason, McDaniels stated that he would set weekly goals for the club to achieve the greatest possible outcome.

“Surreal is probably a good word for it … my family has spent a lot of nights there over many, many years and so it’s a special place for us, and looking forward to having a special night hopefully on Thursday,” McDaniels said.