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Full Circle: Former Raiders QB Pryor Enjoys Life as Receiver

Former Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor
Former Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor

When the Raiders selected Terrelle Pryor in the 2011 Supplemental Draft, the thought of a new age quarterback danced in their heads. Visions of Cam Newton streaking down the sideline at O.co had the Raiders believing the former Buckeye quarterback could emulate that success. Boasting a freakish skill set, Al Davis quickly took a chance. This Sunday, Pryor faces his former team for the first time.

Brief Flash

Although Pryor did not enjoy sustained success in Oakland, his style drew a rabid following. Fans wanted to see him in the game and behind center. While comparisons to Michael Vick zipped through RaiderNation, Pryor did not have the accuracy to enjoy a long career as a quarterback. Despite numerous calls for a position switch, Pryor stubbornly held to the notion that his NFL fate ties to throwing the ball. During his time in Oakland, Pryor became famous for errant passes and the Chiefs sacking him ten times. On the other hand, this 93-yard touchdown run cemented him in Raiders lore.


Bouncing and Realization

After Reggie McKenzie miraculously obtained a seventh round pick for Pryor from the Seahawks, Pryor could not stick as a quarterback. From Seattle to Kansas City to Cincinnati, teams knew that Pryor lacked the touch and ability to scan defenses. On June 19, 2015, the light went on for Pryor. Instead of floundering, why not try receiver. Cleveland took a chance on Pryor at wideout. In return, he responded with a 77-cathc, thousand yard season. Not bad for a guy that resisted position change.

 

Washington and Full Circle

In the offseason, Washington inked Pryor to a one year, 8 million dollar deal. Basically, Pryor gambled on himself this year. Through seven seasons, two positions and six teams, Terrelle Pryor now lines up versus the Oakland Raiders. While this Raider team isn’t the same group of players he enjoyed as teammates, Pryor’s legacy remains. Pryor stands at the finals draft pick of Al Davis’ illustrious, albeit nerve-wracking career. Davis valued speed and measureables above many aspects of the game. Yet, seeing Pryor still playing stands as a reminder that Al’s legacy, imprint, and influence will never fade. Granted, RaiderNation wants the Silver and Black to win this game. Be that as it may, take some joy in seeing a former Raider excelling.


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