The Black Hole. Raidernation. Silver and Black Attack. There are many names for fans of the NFL's Oakland Raiders. No matter what they go by, they tend to be proud of their loyalty to one of the most recognized franchises in any sport

What is an "alternate" jersey?In the NFL each team has a "home" jersey that is primarily the team's color and an "away" jersey that is primarily white. The "alternate" jersey is one that is worn once or twice a year and features a color that isn't considered the team's primary color as the main color of the jersey. In the case of the Raiders, the "home" jersey is black so the "alternate" jersey is silver.

Why a Reebok jersey?If you aren't buying Reebok NFL jerseys, there is no telling what level of quality you are getting. Reebok is the company for "top shelf" merchandise that is always up to high standards and that is why they make the NFL Equipment version of the jersey.

This jersey has a classy "jock tag" on the left front hem that proclaims this as licensed NFL merchandise engineered to the strictest standards. The seams are heavily stitched, and the materials used to make the jersey are durable.

What are my jersey alternatives?There are really three types of NFL jersey - Authentic, EQT, and Replica. The authentic are the highest quality and are the same jersey worn on the field. These go for around $250 each and are worth every penny for some fans. You can read about authentics in my other epinions.The EQT are mid quality - essentially a replica jersey with heavy tackle twill letters/numbers. These go for around $100 each.Replicas are the lowest in quality and price. They normally go around $65 and feature a mesh body, dazzle yoke (aka shiny shoulders) and silk screened letters/numbers/logos. In the case of the Panthers, even the shoulder stripes are silk screened.Silk screened means they are essentially an iron on transfer.

Why a replica jersey?If you are cost conscious, this is a very nice jersey at the lowest available NFL price. They normally hold up as a shirt very well. This jersey isn't apt to "pick" like the older style cotton jerseys and seams don't fray. I've never had stitching to unravel on the jersey.

Spill things on yourself at the game? This jersey isn't likely to hold a stain. I've found that if I use paper towels to absorb the moisture as soon as I spill a soda or food item on myself (usually right after a touchdown!) the jersey will release the dirt when washed and be as good as new again.

The downside:
Silk screened letters/numbers are not durable. If you dry this jersey in a standard household dryer you'll see noticable cracking/peeling in the letters, numbers, and logos within just a few wears. You simply must air dry this garment if you intend to look good for long. Same thing with leaning on concrete or brick walls: you can easily cause damage to the silk screening.

A jersey that looks bad isn't any fun to wear, for me at least, even if it is in "good condition" as far as not falling apart and what-have-you.

Is this jersey accurate?When you look at a NFL Equipment jersey you know you are looking at the right thing! The black numbers and silver body are a perfect match in appearance to the one's worn by the Raiders once or twice a year. Placing numbers on the "TV numbers" on the sleeves and regular numbers on the chest and back are just as the jersey should be. The name is placed on a sewn on piece of "nameplate" cloth just like the real thing.

Why a Jerry Rice jersey?Well, Jerry spent nearly 20 years in the Bay Area as he played for the San Francisco 49ers and Raiders. Many fans from that area were Rice fans to the very core! Rice is also considered by most to be the GOAT (greatest of all time) now that he's retired.

Three things jump out at me as downsides to buying a Rice jersey in Raiders colors:1) He'll always be remembered as a 49er.2)He retired from the Denver Broncos after spending a year as a Seattle Seahawk3)He is retired, so no more watching him perform on Sundays.

The Bottom Line:If you are a casual fan looking for a Raiders alternate jersey this is a good way to get one. A jersey that features the name and number of a sure Hall of Fame player isn't a common thing so you can be proud to wear Jerry's number even though he's retired:

If you are a true fan of football in general or Rice and the Raiders in particular this is a good pickup but if you are a casual fan who shops for the "Flavor of the Month" this is one you should pass on.

Recommended: Yes