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Jacob’s Wish Story

Jacob, 17, Silverton
Wish: to meet the Oakland Raiders

A huge Raiders fan and football player himself, 17-year-old Jacob, who suffers from end-stage renal disease, wished to experience an Oakland Raiders practice.

From their San Francisco hotel, the Silverton teen, along with his brother and father, journeyed to the Raiders facilities via a stretch limousine. Upon arrival, Jacob was presented with a Raiders football, as well as jerseys of Warren Sapp and Michael Huff – Jacob’s favorite players. The family watched the Raiders practice, and afterwards the entire team came over to meet Jacob, sign his footballs and take pictures with him. Many players literally gave him the shirts (jerseys) off their backs!

The most special point of the day occurred when LaMont Jordan came out of the locker room after practice. He had already met Jacob and signed the memorabilia, but he had something else he wanted to give to Jacob – his shoes. He autographed his shoes and gave them to Jacob by hanging them over his shoulders. Next…a moment that only a player could make happen…LaMont took Jacob into the locker room and gave him a tour of the entire complex! LaMont even took time to shoot pool with Jacob, when the other players already left for the day.

On game day – which was the Raiders season opener – the family joined the player police escort to the stadium in their limo. They watched warm ups and the pre-game festivities from the field, and many players and Raiderettes came over to say “Hi” to Jacob. The family then enjoyed the game from the 50-yard line.