Raiders RB Ameer Abdullah's Entire Mini Camp Comments

 Running Back Ameer Abdullah 

Q: What sort of growth have you seen from of the young guys like Zamir White and Brittain Brown? 

Ameer Abdullah: "The guys just come in ready to work, understand that it's important to improve every day, and they just bring a great attitude - great teammates." 

Q: What did you try to get out of the minicamp? What was your goal coming into the minicamp? 

Abdullah: "To just improve every single day, try to keep it simple. My dad always used the old adage, 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.' So, just taking every day for what it comes at and just staying present. That's the main goal." 

Q: How much more comfortable do you feel in your role now, going into your second year with the team? How are things, I guess, the same but also changing? 

Abdullah: "Really is about just doing what's asked of you. I think that's the main thing. Not trying to make things too big or small; just doing what is asked. So, as far as roles or anything I think everyone is just working their best to know everything to be able to do everything to help the team in whatever that we're being asked." 

Q: Early impressions of the running back room so far this year? 

Abdullah: "Really funny. Guys keep it light, so I'm always a fan of that, understanding that it's a great opportunity that we have to come here and play in the NFL and do what we've loved since we were kids. So, I think we feed off each other's energy real well." 

Q: Last year you were basically the third down back. Can you talk about how important that is and just being a real force as a pass protector on the back end there? Abdullah: "I mean third down is important in this league, and whatever I'm asked to do, I'm going to try to do my best at it whether it's third down, first down, no matter what. But yes, third downs are very important in this league." 

Q: Last year - in talking to Mick Lombardi - he said that his brother Matt was one of the guys that advocated for the Raiders to come and get you after spending that time in Carolina with him. Now he's here on this staff. How cool is it to kind of have him as a coach again? What's your relationship like with him? Abdullah: "I'm thankful. It feels good to have people believe in you, and I think that's the environment we have. Coaches and players alike, we believe in one another and we want to support one another. So to have someone who supported me in Carolina now here is just more encouragement for me to do my job that much better." 

Q: Any updates or any different about the touchdown celebration - the roundhouse kick - this coming year or is that something we have to wait for? 

Abdullah: "A magician never reveals his tricks." 

Q: A lot of your teammates have been attending the Golden Knights games. Have you had any interest in that and following along? 

Abdullah: "Every time they have I've been out of town, unfortunately, but actually my love for hockey kind of grew when I was with the Detroit Lions. I was kind of a supporter of the Red Wings, but now I'm kind of a butterfly. I kind of go with whatever city has a team, so go Knights." 

Q: What are your thoughts on Matt Rhule at Nebraska? 

Abdullah: "I'm excited for the guys. I think he's a great personality. He's a great leader, and I think anytime you take over the head coaching job at a University like Nebraska - which has always as strong leaders at the head coach spot - it's exciting. It's cool because I've played for him, so anytime I go back now it feels like home. I played for Bo Pelini, so anytime I would go back it felt a little different because I wasn't as connected to the coaching staff. But seeing a lot of familiar faces in Carolina, Matt Rhule there, it makes me feel like home. So hopefully the 'Skers have a big turnaround under his regime." 

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