RAIDERS: Del Rio, players build camaraderie

that you got in your hand is that opportunity that you have to play and do great things and represent your last name.”

Mack has emerged as one of the NFL’s top players and a leader on the Raiders in his first three seasons. His play was rewarded with a surprise ceremony this week.

Mack received the professional Butkus Award as the NFL’s top linebacker last season when he had 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and an interception. Mack received the award from its namesake as Hall of Famer Dick Butkus presented him the trophy in person on Wednesday in front of the whole team.

“Out of nowhere, they show us highlights and his highlights are crazy,” Mack said. “Dick Butkus highlights are crazy. And I’m like, ‘What’s going on today!? We’re getting a presentation, like what’s going on?’ Out of nowhere he announced it and I was like, ‘What?’ It was a pleasant surprise man. In college I wanted to win it, and being like I won it now, it’s a surreal thing.”

That was all part of a fun final week for the Raiders, who went go-kart racing last Friday instead of holding an OTA practice and then had a team bowling event after practice Wednesday.

It was all part of the team building Del Rio likes to do in the offseason.

“We want to compete in everything we do, so I like any type of competition that we can create,” Del Rio said. “We like to do that. Then two, just to get away from this environment. Have guys interact. You build that camaraderie. You have that time together aside from in here grinding in meetings and on the football field. I think that’s an important aspect.”