Have you ever been expected to live up to the standards of a higher power?
Probably not but try and put yourself in the shoes of Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner, who in the eyes of Head Coach Jon Gruden is expected to be perfect 100 percent of the time.
Joyner radiates positivity and a contagious energy every second of the day, and his head coach wants him to be that way 100 percent of the time. From the moment he arrived at the team's facility in Alameda, Calif., Gruden set the bar high because he knows what kind of impact the 28 year old can make on a relatively young Raiders defense.
"Sometimes I think Jon thinks I'm Jesus Christ or something," Joyner said jokingly. "I can't do no wrong, if I sneeze at the wrong time he's getting on me. If I'm walking with my head down he's getting on me because he's used to my [positive] energy."
The Raiders have made a concerted effort to change the culture, and Gruden, along with General Manager Mike Mayock made it a priority to acquire players this offseason that exemplified a winning mentality, and Joyner was among the first to receive a call.
Last year, Joyner was a member of the Los Angeles Rams Super-Bowl squad, and performed admirably, totaling six tackles in an all-out defensive slugfest. The Rams eventually fell 13-3, but the experience he gained in that moment was unique. It's that same experience he's being asked to educate the young players on the roster with, but being a leader wasn't something he always envisioned for himself.
"That's a great responsibility for me," he said. "I think it's a great feeling because the guys that I had before me when I first walked into this league that I wished and hoped to have to look up to, they didn't do a good job. So, I always told myself if I was ever put in that position to be entrusted with younger guys I'd be the best leader possible."
Joyner isn't the biggest man in the room, but when he opens his mouth people listen, and they're naturally drawn to him.
He thrives off of seeing those around him succeed, and it's gratifying for him to see the players around him take what he says and put it into action. It's rare you meet someone nowadays as selfless and genuine as Joyner, someone who wants nothing but the best for his teammates even if it means he's not as successful.
"I think the biggest thing — I'm a big believer in the faith — and Christ says there's no greater thing for a man to do than lay his life down his friends," Joyner said intently. "I think the biggest thing I do is I lay my life down out here for these guys. It's them first before me. It's not about Lamarcus Joyner, it's about what is John [Abram] going to think if I'm not working hard or giving 100 percent. What's Trayvon [Mullen] going to think? How is Gareon [Conley] going to look at me when things aren't going right? It's all about those guys. I'm sacrificing myself for them to be great, not for me to be great. I think that's my edge."
The Raiders get back to the practice fields in their second day of pads in Napa, Calif. for 2019 Training Camp.
A Raiders fan with Raiderettes Julie, Taylor, Mackenzie, and Ekta before practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders fans before practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders fans before practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders fans before practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders fans before practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Dylan Mabin (37) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders owner Mark Davis, quarterback Derek Carr (4), and head coach Jon Gruden on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Mike Glennon (7) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Hard Knocks film crew on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Nick Nelson (23) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders assistant defensive backs coach Taver Johnson on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) and defensive end Josh Mauro (97) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders cleats on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and senior defensive assistant Mike Trgovac on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and general manager Mike Mayock on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle Gabe Wright (57) and defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks (63) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders tackle Trent Brown (77) and offensive line coach Tom Cable on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Marcell Ateman (88) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver J.J. Nelson (15) and cornerback Isaiah Langley (43) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders offensive line coach Tom Cable and tackle Tyler Roemer (76) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders cornerback D.J. Killings (40) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker/defensive end James Cowser (49) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley (20) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Devey (65) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley (21) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks (63) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
\Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson and running back Jalen Richard (30) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders quarterback Mike Glennon (7), quarterback Nathan Peterman (3), quarterback Derek Carr (4), and senior offensive assistant John Morton on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders defensive tackle Ethan Westbrooks (63) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders running back James Butler (36) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders tackle Andre James (68) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders running back Doug Martin (22) and running backs coach Kirby Wilson on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders defensive end Alex Barrett (93) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon (38) and running backs coach Kirby Wilson on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders owner Mark Davis on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley (20) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett and wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders tight end Paul Butler (81) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders safety Curtis Riley (35) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon (38) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders quarterback Nathan Peterman (3) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) and wide receiver De'Mornay Pierson-El (9) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) and wide receiver De'Mornay Pierson-El (9) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) and wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) and wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver/return specialist Dwayne Harris (17) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) and wide receiver Brian Burt (12) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders alumni Bill Romanowski and George Atkinson, and wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) and owner Mark Davis on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and safety Karl Joseph (42) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5) and kicker Daniel Carlson (8) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) and head coach Jon Gruden on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders defensive end Benson Mayowa (91), defensive end Josh Mauro (97), and defensive line coach Brentson Buckner on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Hard Knocks film crew on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and linebacker Marquel Lee (52) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders safety Dallin Leavitt (32) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis (78) and guard Richie Incognito (64) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) and wide receiver Ryan Grant (19) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders tackle Justin Murray (71) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) and tackle Brandon Parker (75) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) and wide receiver Ryan Grant (19) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders wide receiver Keon Hatcher (14) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Dylan Mabin (37) and wide receiver Keelan Doss (89) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders linebacker Te'von Coney (56) and tight end Luke Willson (82) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight end Luke Willson (82) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) and cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive tackle P.J. Hall (92) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tackle David Sharpe (72) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) and tight ends coach Frank Smith on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders guard/tackle Denver Kirkland (79) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders guard Lukayus McNeil (62) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders safety Jordan Richards (39) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden huddle up the team on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp at the Raiders Napa Valley Training Complex, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Napa, Calif.
The Raiders huddle up on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
The Raiders huddle up on the field for practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders fans after practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders guard Lester Cotton Sr. (67) signs autographs for fans after practice at 2019 Training Camp.
A Raiders fan receivers a t-shirt signed by safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) after practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) signs autographs for fans after practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) signs autographs for fans after practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) signs autographs for fans after practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders wide receiver Brian Burt (12) with a fan after practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) signs autographs for fans after practice at 2019 Training Camp.
Leadership isn't a characteristic everyone has in them, and sometimes it takes a while for someone to realize they have it in them. Joyner never saw himself stepping into a mentorship role, and as I mentioned earlier he never had anybody to shown him the way. When he finally started assuming the role of a leader, the former Florida State Seminole pulled from players he idolized in order to become the best he could be. He drew inspiration from players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Sean Taylor, and while he tried to emulate their leadership style, he wanted to make it his own, so he could be the best version of himself possible.
Joyner is true to himself and people respect that, it's one of the many reasons why Gareon Conley and Johnathan Abram consider him to be "special."
"Lamarcus is very patient, being around him because he has three kids and I will admit I am kind of a kid at times," Abram told the media. "I like to have fun and those guys are very patient with me. Just being around and you get to see what it is like being on your sixth year, so it's different. It's very special."
"Lamarcus, he's probably got the best energy in the room," Conley added. "He always has high spirits and positivity. He just lifts everybody in the room. It's good to have someone like that If you're feeling tired or anything like that, he's always going to lift you up. He always plays hard."
At this stage, Joyner knows he's entering the second half of his career, and despite not owning a plethora of individual accolades, he doesn't want to be known as someone who stuffed the stat sheet, or was a Pro Bowler. He wants to go down as one of the most inspirational Raiders and NFL players to ever suit up.
So how does Joyner want to be remembered?
"Just as a guy that was selfless and led his team."
