Carl Nassib did not recognize the number on his cell phone when it came to life in 2021. Without a spam filter, he answered it.
On the other end of the line was Sir Elton John.
"He called to congratulate me on coming out," Nassib, the first openly gay active player in NFL history, said. "And he offered his support."
It was a similar tale from NFL insider Jay Glazer, who spoke of Raiders Hall of Famer Howie Long being his "lifeline" in the angst-filled seconds before going live on television.
"You good?" Glazer recalled Long asking him on the set. "I got you. We got you."
Glazer paused.
"'We got you' is one of the most powerful things you can say to someone," Glazer added.
Mental health was again the theme of the night as the Raiders played host to the third annual Silver & Black Gala on Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium, a power-packed event that raised $2.5 million benefiting the Raiders Foundation and supporting mental health initiatives across Nevada.
Not only were Nassib, who played defensive end for the Raiders from 2020-21, and Glazer presented with Commitment to Excellence Awards for their respective work in the mental health field - Nassib is an activist for the Trevor Project, which is dedicated to crisis intervention and suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth, while Glazer authored a best-selling self-help book "Unbreakable: How I turned my Depression and Anxiety into Motivation and You Can Too" - the family of the late Barret Robbins, who passed away on March 26 after a lifelong battle with mental health challenges, lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch to begin the Gala.
"We chose the mental health cause because it just rang true for everything that we've been doing," Raiders Owner Mark Davis said. "Everybody knows somebody or is somebody that has struggled with mental health, and I just thought that would be a great way to give back."
Nevada has ranked last in the nation in mental health outcomes the last two years, six times since 2017. The first two Galas raised a combined $4.5 million, all of which has been invested into the community in funding to expand and uplift mental health services in Southern Nevada.
And while Raiders' No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza has only been with the team for less than a month, the quarterback was already impressed with the organization's efforts.
"I believe everyone's priorities should be, No. 1, mental and physical well-being," Mendoza said. "If you have that at the forefront, you're able to have a successful other line of priorities and you're able to be a better son, a better father, a better brother, a better player. And I think it's very important. I focus on that and I think it's a great cause the Raiders are supporting.
"The Raider Gala is such a special event. To see the community all come together and support a common cause of the Raiders, it's very inspiring … it's amazing. I'm very blessed to be a part of it."
Six organizations were presented with checks for $250,000 each - Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, HELP of Southern Nevada/Shannon West Homeless Youth Center, Las Vegas Metro Police Department Wellness Bureau/Behind the Blue, The LGBTQ+ Center of Las Vegas, NAMI Southern Nevada and Olive Crest.
Many premium items were either raffled or auctioned off, including five once-in-a-lifetime experiences with GOATs of different sports: Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson, "Iron Mike" Tyson, 15-time NBA All-Start Shaquille O'Neal, "Mr. October" Reggie Jackson and five-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady. Through the raffle and auction, 100% of all proceeds went to supporting mental health initiatives through the Raiders Foundation.
Several former Raiders players credited Davis for recognizing the need for off-the-field charitable work.
"Obviously, I love the Raiders, I love everything about the organization," said Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen. "Honestly, Mark Davis has done so much for me, in addition to all the other players, so we love to give back to the community."
Allen also said there should have been an "awareness" of mental health when he was playing, and "of the challenge that a lot of players were dealing with, or that was ahead of us.
"It's great that there is now. … It's good that we're investing in that and trying to do something that would help the players."
Said legendary cornerback Lester Hayes: "You don't just say it, but you show love. Mark Davis is showing a lot of love.
"I came in 1977 and Mr. [Al] Davis always gave back. In Northern California, in Southern California, it was a focus of Mr. Davis as far as giving back and showing love. Mr. Davis has passed it on to Mark Davis. It's always a team thought and a team focus. Our guys, the champion guys, love Mark Davis."
The evening ended, fittingly enough, with an hour-plus performance by the guy who gave Nassib that cold call of support and encouragement five years ago - Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sir Elton John.
"It's our way of thanking everybody in the Las Vegas community and Raider Nation for all the help and support they've given us over the years and what they do in the community," Davis said.
Other notable guests included Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan, Head Coach Klint Kubiak and General Manager John Spytek, along with Raiders Alumni Jim Plunkett, Eric Allen, Lincoln Kennedy and Kirk Morrison. More than 56 current Raiders players also attended, including Kirk Cousins, Maxx Crosby, Ashton Jeanty and Jackson Powers-Johnson.
For more information about the Raiders Foundation, visit Raiders.com/foundation.
Head inside Allegiant Stadium for the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation where $2.5 million was raised for mental health services and initiatives.
Silver & Black Gala signage during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
A custom-refined 1973 Buick Riviera that was raffled off during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
A view of the "RAIDERS The Opus - Silver Torch Edition" display during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Silver & Black Gala signage during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Silver & Black Gala signage during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
A custom Elton John ticket during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Silver & Black Gala signage during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
An attendee wears a Las Vegas Raiders lapel pin during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders House Band performs during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Attendees arrive during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
A showgirl during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Raiderettes Pip and Amanda pose for a photo with an attendee during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
An attendee looks at the "RAIDERS The Opus - Silver Torch Edition" display during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Attendees look over silent auction items during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn III (66), guard Justin Pickett (77), long snapper Tyler Duzansky (56) and tackle Niklas Henning (73) talk during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak talks with attendees during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus James Lofton poses for a photo with members of the Raiders 2026 Rookie Class during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) and wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) talk with Raiders alumnus James Lofton during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Raiderettes Pip and Amanda talk with attendees during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumni Napoleon McCallum and Jim Plunkett and President Sandra Douglass Morgan pose for a photo with their spouses during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jacob Clark (16), quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) talk during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Marcus Allen poses for a photo with an attendee during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) greet each other during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Signers Jordan Christine and Fletch Walcott perform during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Marisa Robbins Trimarche and Marley Robbins, wife and daughter of Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Barret Robbins, light the Al Davis Memorial Torch during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders vice president of philanthropy Kari Uyehara speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Attendees listen to speakers during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Leaders of local community groups are honored during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Leaders of local community groups are presented checks from The Raiders Foundation during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Leaders of local community groups are presented checks from The Raiders Foundation during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) presents a check from The Raiders Foundation to Jimmy Monaghan from the Olive Crest during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Leaders of local community groups are presented checks from The Raiders Foundation during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Intermountain Health region president Mitch Cloward speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) helps announce a raffle winner during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) helps announce a raffle winner during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek helps announce a raffle winner during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak helps announce a raffle winner during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Eric Allen helps announce a raffle winner during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
A magician performs a magic trick for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) and defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Count's Kustoms owner Danny Koker helps raffle emcee Mark Shunock announce a raffle winner during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) helps announce a raffle winner during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Raffle emcee Mark Shunock announce a raffle winner during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Jim Plunkett helps announce a raffle winner during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Marcus Allen speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Marcus Allen and Owner Mark Davis watch a video on Commitment to Excellence award winner Jay Glazer during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis presents the Commitment to Excellence Award to television personality and sports reporter Jay Glazer during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Television personality and sports reporter Jay Glazer speaks after receiving the Commitment to Excellence Award during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Television personality and sports reporter Jay Glazer speaks after receiving the Commitment to Excellence Award during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) speaks during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis presents the Commitment to Excellence Award to Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Carl Nassib during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Carl Nassib speaks after receiving the Commitment to Excellence Award during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Carl Nassib speaks after receiving the Commitment to Excellence Award during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) speak during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
Auctioneers Jay Cash auctions off an experience with Mike Tyson during the third annual Silver & Black Gala hosted by The Raiders Foundation at Allegiant Stadium.
