Keith Smith -- Crusader Raider 

& Super Fan

 

Since 1980 Englishman Keith Smith has been a dedicated fan of the Oakland Raiders, which he shares in common with many people globally. His enthusiasm for the team came while visiting his family in California years ago. Seven years later he became a Super Fan and Crusader Raider and a representative of the worldwide Raider Nation.

 

Although the Raiders' team colors are black and silver, Smith wanted to be different. He wanted to represent both the team and his country.

 

"I'm the only person in the Oakland Coliseum who wears a red and white Raider costume and I am respected by the Raider Nation because red and white are the colors of England," he says.

 

Crusader Raider made his 63rd visit to the United States for the What A Fan sports fan conference in 2014 and he has visited over half of the stadiums in the United States and traveled to Spain, Germany and other countries to attend games and collectively support all football comrades.

 

Smith is a family man and a philanthropist in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Married for eleven years, he has one son and two daughters but his work and love for children doesn't stop at home. He is an advocate for protecting children from being victims of child abuse and he has built his career working full-time with children suffering from autism and adults with learning disabilities.

 

"If I can make a change by educating people about autism and learning disabilities, it will be a better world for all of us," states Smith. His foundation, Sycamore Trust, aids autistic children and families in East London. Through his establishment, Smith has connected with over 400 families, supporting them so that the children of their families have resources to healthcare, educational programs, and the ability for their kids to be fully included for life development to carry them from childhood through adulthood.

 

In the 1980s Smith worked in the United States opening summer camp programs for disabled children. His goal was to educate people about physical and learning disabilities that affect others, provide programs to allow more accessibility for disabled children, and to teach the public how to help others in need.

 

Today Smith works for a charity raising awareness of autism in East London and volunteers in the United States, assisting adults suffering from drug abuse, the homeless, and families accessing the Ronald McDonald House. He is a proud member of the 66th St. MOB (Make Oakland Better) which supports less fortunate fans.

 

This season Crusader Raider attended the preseason game in Seattle and will be at the Coliseum for home games versus the Vikings, Packers and Chargers. He will also attend three NFL games at Wembley Stadium in London, totaling over 32,000 air miles.

 

Despite having ten losing seasons, the Raider Nation stands strong together, whether at games or just helping one another in general. "It's about how you come together and making a difference," says Smith.  "We have the biggest fan base in the world and the friendliest," he proudly states.  "If you ever need help, a Raider Nation fan will help you." 

 

Crusader Raider is among a number of Oakland Raiders Super Fans who add excitement and delight to attending Raiders games. Photos by Ed Jay. 

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San Francisco

Abbey Tavern, 4100 Geary Street

The Blue Light, 1979 Union Street

Bus Stop, 1901 Union Street

The Chieftain, 198 5th Street

Danny Coyle's, 668 Haight Street

Dave's, 29 Third Street @ Kearny

Final Final, 2990 Baker @ Lombard

The Holding Company, #2 Embarcadro Center

Il Pirata, 2007 16th Street

Jake's Steaks, 3301 Buchanan Street

Jullian's, 101 4th Street

The Kezar Pub, 770 Stanyan Street

Mad Dog in the Fog, 530 Haight Street

Mucky Duck, 1315 9th Avenue

Nickie's Bar, 466 Haight Street

Players Sports Grill, Pier 39, Buildings L & M

Polo Grounds, 747 3rd Street

 

East Bay

Brennan's Restaurant, 4th & University, Berkeley

Churchward Pub, 1515 Park Street, Alameda

City Beach, 4020 Technology Place, Fremont

Crogan's Montclair, 6101 La Salle Avenue, Oakland

Cue & Brew, 1029 Arnold Drive, #6, Martinez

Dan's Irish Sports Bar, 1524 Civic Street, Walnut Creek

Diamonds Sports Bar & Grill, 77 Hegenberger, Oakland

Ed's Mudville Grill, 6200 Center Street, Clayton

The Englander, 101 Parrott Street, San Leandro  

Evie's, 7138 Village Parkway, Dublin

Francesco's Restaurant, 8520 Pardee Drive, Oakland

Frank's Saloon, 2014 Marina Blvd., San Leandro

Funky Monkey, 22554 Main Street, Hayward

George & Walt's, 5445 College Avenue, Oakland

Grand Oaks Restaurant, 3701 Grand Avenue, Oakland

Go Sports Bar, 736 Washington Street, Oakland

Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Avenue, Albany

Kingfish, 5227 Claremont, Oakland

Linguini's Pizza & Brew, 1508 Park Street, Alameda

Livermore Casino Sports Bar, 3571 First Street, Livermore

McCovey's Restaurant, 1444 N. California, Walnut Creek

Mr. Lucky's Bar & Grill, 1527 Locust Street. Walnut Creek

Oakland Moose Club, 690 Hegenberger Road

Oaks Corner, 4099 San Pablo, Emeryville

Otaez Mexican Restaurant, 1619 Webster Street, Alameda

Pacific Coast Brewing Co., 906 Washington Street, Oakland

Pasta Pelican, 2455 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda

Pete's Place, 610A San Pablo Avenue, Pinole

Rancho Sports Bar, 3912 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante

Ricky's Sports Grill, 15028 Hesperian Blvd., San Leandro

Sports Edition Bar, Hilton Oakland Airport, Oakland

Stadium Pub, 1420 Lincoln Avenue, Walnut Creek

Tierney's Sports Bar, 540 San Pablo Avenue, Albany

WPLJ's Dance Club, 2112 North Main Street, Walnut Creek

 

Brisbane

7 Mile House, 2800 Bayshore Blvd.

 

Burlingame 

The American Bull Bar & Grill, 1819 El Camino Real

Knuckles Historical Sports Bar, Hyatt Regency, Burlingame

 

Campbell 

Capers Eat & Drink, 1710 West Campbell   

 

Fair Oaks

Players Sports Pub, 4060 Sunrise Blvd.

 

Half Moon Bay 

Cameron's Restaurant Pub & Inn, 1410 South Cabrillo Hwy

Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., 390 Capistrano Road

 

Foster City 

The Club House Bistro, 1221 Chess Drive  

 

Palo Alto 

Sundance The Steakhouse, 1921 El Camino Real

 

Point Richmond

Up & Under, 2 West Richmond Avenue   

 

San Jose 

Bay 101 Casino, 1801 Bering Drive

Britannia Arms, 5027 Almaden Expressway

Britannia Arms, 173 West Santa Clara

Britannia Arms, 1087 De Anza Blvd.    

 

San Rafael 

Pete's 881, 721 Lincoln Avenue

 

Santa Clara

City Beach, 2911 Mead Avenue

 

Santa Cruz 

One Double Oh Seven Club, 1007 Soquel Avenue    

 

Vacaville 

Stars Recreation Center, 155 Browns Valley Parkway