ALAMEDA -- The Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs don’t like each other. That’s a tale as old as time.
It’s natural, even expected, that someone like long snapper Thomas Gafford wouldn’t like the Raiders after spending seven seasons in Kansas City. He expressed that sentiment before last season’s finale.
"You know, no one likes the Raiders,” Gafford said. “It'll feel good to beat 'em.”
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That quote made the rounds in the locker room after he signed with the Silver and Black on Tuesday, replacing popular injured long snapper Jon Condo.
“They’ve been razzing me pretty good,” Gafford said. “They’ve been having a lot of fun with it, but I deserve it so it’s all right.”
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Knowing that quote worked its way through the media as well, Gafford offered a funny, pre-emptive strike on where his loyalties now lie.
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“I’m really excited to be here and play these next three games,” Gafford said. “I’m especially excited about that third one. I mean, nobody like the Chiefs. It’s going to feel really nice to go in there and beat ‘em.”
Gafford understands the dislike between the sides, and is excited for the regular-season finale where the Raiders travel to Arrowhead Stadium.
“It’s a storied rivalry, and it’s been a blast to play in it for so many years,” Gafford said. “Now, to see it from the other side, I count myself as blessed to be part of it as a Raider. I’m so proud to be supporting the Raiders.”