Raiders legend Tom Flores returned to booth Monday night: ‘I can’t thank them enough’
Tom Flores couldn’t hold back his feelings when Las Vegas Raiders president Marc Badain made the call two weeks ago, asking if the former coach and Hall of Fame nominee would like to return to the radio booth.
It was only a one-game commitment, but how could he say no to the franchise that he led to two Super Bowl titles and was hosting “Monday Night Football” in its first game in its new home city?
“I was excited,” Flores said of the invitation. “I was excited because I’ve always wanted to see the stadium and they weren’t allowing it. I’m delighted when they asked me and want me in the booth.”
The Raiders, after opening on the road in Week 1, took on the New Orleans Saints in prime time at the brand new Allegiant Stadium that overlooks the Las Vegas strip.
Kickoff began at 5:15 p.m., with ESPN handling the television side. Flores was part of a three-man effort on the Raiders radio network, alongside Lincoln Kennedy and Brent Musburger.
Flores saw the Raiders defeat the Saints 34-24 after Las Vegas trailed by 10 points in the first quarter.
“It’s impressive because this a young team. They’re tougher than nails,” Flores told Musburger and Kennedy after the game. “I tell you, that was as impressive as you can be against a team that is a Super Bowl contender.”
Musburger welcomed Flores to the booth, while Kennedy said “It is always a dream to work with Mr. Flores.”
When it was Flores’ turn to talk on the pregame show, he gave his review of the new stadium.
“The only thing I can say about this place is, ‘Wow,’” he said. “This is magnificent. Breathtaking.”
Flores, the lone coach among the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021, spent 21 seasons in the Raiders’ radio booth through 2018. He was paired for many seasons with Greg Papa.
The Raiders brought in Musburger and Kennedy for their final season in Oakland last year, after Papa and Flores were let go.
Flores said while he misses being in the booth, going on road trips took its toll.
“Travel got harder on me,” he said. “When I stopped playing, I missed being on the field; being a coach, I miss the game day and enjoying the weekends with the players.”
The team emailed background to Flores on the Raiders and Saints, including roster breakdowns, to increase his familiarity with the players and help him prepare for his Monday night duties.
But he already knew quite a bit about the Raiders, remaining glued to their games while watching from his Palm Springs home.
As for what he expected his role to be? Flores said he had no clue, but was perfectly willing to accept that “I’ll be the third wheel.”
The Saints opened with a quick march downfield before settling for a field goal.
Flores got on the mic and gave quick takes on Johnathan Abram and the Raiders defense.
“The guy is really a contact type of guy and he was on top of it,” he said of Abram’s coverage.
Alson on the Saints’ opening drive, he offered: “They got to contain better.”
It was 10-7 in the second quarter when New Orleans scored a second touchdown for a 17-7 lead. Said Flores: “Too easy. Too easy.”
But the Raiders rallied and an interception by Nicholas Morrow helped set up a game-tying field goal as the first half came to an end.
“I was impressed with the rally and they changed their approach a little bit,” Flores said. “They battled back (against) a team that was in total control in the first half.”
Flores enjoyed his one-night partnership with Musburger and Kennedy.
“Means a lot to me,” he said. “Very honored they asked me to do that and they still think a lot about me. I can’t thank them enough for it.”
This story was originally published September 21, 2020 at 8:57 PM.
