Head Coach Jack Del Rio
Tuesday night, seven members of the Oakland Raiders were selected to attend the 2017 Pro Bowl, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. Wednesday afternoon, Head Coach Jack Del Rio spoke with reporters about the players' achievement, and what it means to be selected to the Pro Bowl. He also discussed the team's preparation for the Indianapolis Colts this Saturday at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Here are the quick hits from his time at the podium:
**Del Rio expressed his excitement for the members of the team who were voted into the Pro Bowl.
**
"Very, very proud of our guys. Well deserving. I thought it was awesome that all four of our captains were selected. Three of our offensive linemen. The line is so crucial to what we do. Obviously, some really good, young players in 'Coop' [Amari Cooper] and Derek [Carr] and Khalil [Mack], and then to have a guy like Reggie [Nelson], who has been a tremendous addition to our football team. He just loves ball. He loves life. He always has a smile. He's a great teammate. He's been a good leader for us. So I was happy for those guys."
He added that being acknowledged by your peers is a huge honor, but the team is focused on bigger things.
"Well that's the biggest part is just the recognition. I think guys work hard. Sometimes it doesn't go your way. You can play Pro Bowl level and not get in. For those guys, you're a little disappointed, but happy for those that made it in. Like you said, we prefer that we earn our way to a spot where they don't get to go [to the game]."
Del Rio broke down what makes safety Reggie Nelson such a ball hawk, and why he thrives in late-game situations.
"He's a veteran guy that loves ball, loves to compete. He's around it a lot. He led the league last year in interceptions. I think he's always been a ball hawk. He made a lot of plays down at the University of Florida coming out. He's been doing it a long time. Again, I think the biggest thing is when I think of Reggie, I think of a big smile on his face and enjoying the game and enjoying the competition and his teammates. I'm really happy for him."
**He talked about the Indianapolis Colts most recent win, and what he expects from them Saturday.
An exclusive look at the Oakland Raiders as they begin prep for their Week 16 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
**
"Yeah, that was pretty impressive. They were full of energy in all three phases, really, and they got after them. It was on the road, and they've won their last four on the road. This is a team that's very capable. It's a playoff caliber football team, and we're looking forward to a great battle."
Del Rio praised Colts veteran running back Frank Gore for continuing to play at a high level.
"Some guys have just been able to prolong their careers and play at a high level, and he's one of those guys. Really talented. Has a great nose for that yard, that hidden yard. He knows how to make people miss. He knows how to run behind his blocks. I think he's a really good player. That's why he's been a good player for a long time. The other part is he looks fresh. His feet, his legs, he doesn't look like an older back late in the year. He looks like they've done a great job and he's done a great job with his conditioning and the way he's approaching it."
