The Oakland Raiders held the second day of their 2012 off-season program at their practice facility in Alameda, Calif., on Tuesday. The players continued to get acquainted with their new teammates and coaches as they participated in meetings with the coaches and workouts with the strength and conditioning staff.
Although the guys enjoyed a few months away from the facility, they still worked out on their own in preparation for the off-season workout regimen. "I was back training in a gym that I opened in Grand Rapids, [Mich.], staying in shape, getting bigger, stronger, and faster and I'm excited to be back out here," said third-year offensive tackle Jared Veldheer.
DE Mason Brodine also kept in shape back home in Nebraska, but is ready to get back in the swing of things. "I just worked out, went home to Nebraska and worked out and I think I did pretty good preparing for this," said Brodine.
While they appreciated their time off, the players are excited to get back into the swing of things. "It felt good [today]," said FS Michael Huff. "I got to meet a lot of new faces in the defensive room. We've got all new coaches so it's good putting names with faces and players and all that good stuff. We have a new weight staff so it was good to see them. The new weight program is going to be a beast. It's going to have me in phenomenal shape, and I'll look good too, and I'll play a lot better. Should be a great year."
RB Darren McFadden, and many of his teammates, have a good feeling about the atmosphere around the Raiders so far this off-season. "It's a great feeling around the organization, everybody is very excited about the new coaching staff," said McFadden during a Sirius XM NFL interview.
Brodine is also confident in the new coaching staff. "I love it," Brodine said. "Everyone has a positive attitude and I think things are going to be really good this year."
Many of the players' goals over the next few weeks revolve around coming together as a team. "Getting closer to my teammates now," said Huff. "We have a new staff, new teammates, so really building that bond with your teammates in the weight room, film room and meeting room. That's pretty much the goal for the next couple of weeks."
As the team lays the groundwork for the 2012 season, Veldheer added, "It's good to be back, see everybody, meet all the new faces and get started on the 2012 championship team."
