Undefeated welterweight boxer Arnold Barboza Jr. has been a Raiders fan essentially since birth.
Barboza, a Long Beach, California, native, grew up roughly 20 miles away from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Although the Raiders had moved back to Oakland in Barboza's childhood, his father, Arnold Barboza Sr., helped mold him into a diehard fan. His father also grew up in Southern California, becoming a member of Raider Nation when the Silver and Black relocated to Los Angeles in 1982.
"I think everyone knows out here in L.A., it's all Raiders," said Barboza Jr. while attending a training camp practice in Costa Mesa, California. "Every game they play out here in L.A., it's a home game. L.A. is all Raiders."
His father was, at first, concerned that the Oakland Coliseum might be a bit too rowdy for the young boy and instead took him to road games. The first Raiders matchup he attended was at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego to see the Raiders take on their AFC West rivals, the Chargers.
"I don't exactly remember what day it was, but I remember LaDainian Tomlinson was their running back at the time. I hated that guy," Barboza said with a laugh. "We had Darren McFadden around that time too. I was at a young age, but from then on, we'd go to games all the time. It's been Raider Nation ever since."
A few of Barboza's favorite Raiders growing up were Charles Woodson, Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. He also loved watching Howie Long highlights, using the edge rusher's tenacity and physicality as inspiration within his sport of boxing. In this new era of the Las Vegas Raiders, Barboza mentioned he's most excited to see Christian Wilkins and Jack Jones take the field.
Every game he attends now is a full circle moment. He upholds the same tradition with his own children that he had with his father – attending as many Raiders games as possible.
"It's amazing to show them the Raider Nation way," Barboza said. "The fanbase is amazing. It's a loyal fanbase. I was very fortunate to be able to take them to Oakland to see them play and now they come down to L.A every year so that's even better.
"Vegas isn't far from us either and it's a beautiful stadium to go to. It's a blessing."
View photos of past matchups between the Raiders and Browns as the Silver and Black prepare for their Week 4 matchup at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders wait to receive a kickoff during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
The Raiders force a turnover during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3) goes to hand the ball off to running back Charlie Smith (23) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch (21) is congratulated by linebacker Rod Martin (53) and defensive end Willie Jones (90) after making a 39-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 1979.
Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch (21) is congratulated linebacker Phil Villapiano (41) and quarterback Ken Stabler (12) after making a 39-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 1979.
Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) passes during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Dave Browning (73) pressures the quarterback during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders running back Kenny King (33) rushes during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders running back Mark van Eeghen (30) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders defensive back Mike Davis (36) makes a tackle during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) runs after making a catch during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Howie Long (75) sacks the quarterback during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders linebacker Matt Millen (55) jumps to try and break up a pass during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 1986.
Raiders guard Max Montoya (65) and center Don Mosebar (72) line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 19, 1993.
Raiders tight end Ethan Horton (88) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 19, 1993.
Raiders defensive back Anthony Dorsett (33) recovers a fumble during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders running back Charlie Garner (25) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders linebacker Travian Smith (56) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (20) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) makes a 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (26) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders defensive end Tyler Brayton (91) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders linebacker Sam Williams (54) returns a fumble for a 30-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) and defensive back Jarrod Cooper (40) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders defensive back Michael Huff (22) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison (52) runs after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders quarterback Charlie Frye (3) passes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Raiders wide receiver Todd Watkins (19) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell (8) passes to tight end David Ausberry (86) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 4-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders defensive back Matt Giordano (27) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford returns a kickoff 101-yards for a touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders defensive back Michael Huff (24) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders linebacker Keenan Clayton (57) and defensive back Coye Francies (31) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders right end Brandon Myers (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) stiff arms the defender on his way to 10-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith (99) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson (24) intercepts a pass during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders defensive back David Amerson (29) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders defensive back Gareon Conley (21) returns an interception 36-yards for a touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders tight end Lee Smith (86) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders defensive back Reggie Nelson (27) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks off during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (92) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a PAT during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a game-winning 48-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
