Oakland Raider player analysis: Raiders' Ronald Curry exemplifies commitment to excellence

August 4, 2:31 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Ronald Curry and former teammate Jerry Borter at last year's RNC Photo by Patrick A. Patterson

"Commitment to Excellence" and "Pride and Poise" are two phrases that are as synonymous with the Oakland Raiders as the colors Silver and Black. The recent woes of the Raiders have seemed to religated those maxims to the background, but Ronald Curry exemplifies those very traits.

Curry was drafted in the seventh round of the 2002 draft out or University of North Carolina where he had been both a star quarterback and point guard. The Raiders at the time had their starting quarterback in Rich Gannon and their expected quarterback of the future in Marques Tuiasosopo, so Curry found himself on the practice squad for all but one game. During that time he was thought of as a potential defensive back and kick returner. In the one game that season where he was active, he fumbled away his chance as a returner. Rather than complain and quit, he learned a new position and started working on becoming a wide receiver.

In 2003, his first full season as a receiver, he started two games and became a monster on special teams where he was among the team leaders in special teams tackles. His receiving numbers weren't anything to write home about, but he was starting to show that he had an aptitude for the position. In 2004 he made a name for himself by leading the team in receiving through 12 games, and making a memorable leaping twisting catch that would make even his airness, Michael Jordan, turn green with envy for its arial acrobatics. Just as Curry was breaking through he tore his achilles tendon thus ending his season and threatening his career.

Rather than quit, Curry worked hard to get himself rehabbed and ready for the 2005 campaign where he was supposed to be part of an unstoppable triple threat with Jerry Porter and Randy Moss. This was never to materalize, as Curry would reinjure his achilles in the second game of the season and once again see his season end prematurely and his career in even deeper jeopardy. Once again, Curry could easily have just said "no mas." Instead, he redoubled his efforts to get his career on track.

Curry was rewarded for his work by being underutilized by Art Shell and Tom Walsh as part of a pathetic attempt at offense. Despite that, he was able to get through that season without injury and led the Raiders in receiving for the first time in his career. In 2007, Curry once again led the Raiders in receiving.

After showing that he could be a "go to" guy, the Raiders still went out and signed Drew Carter and Javon Walker over the offseason. Rather than be hostile or frustrated, Curry has comeback in better shape than ever. He has been working with the new strength and conditioning coach Brad Roll, and has added strength which should help him be even better in fighting off defenders. With Curry's work ethic and Javon Walker's struggles and flirtation with retirement, don't be surprised if Ronald Curry once again is the Raiders' leading receiver.

With guys like Curry and Nnamdi Asomugha as leaders, the Oakland Raiders have a core of leadership that exudes commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Hopefully, the younger Raiders can see that and follow their lead, because if they do, the greatness of the Raiders is truly in the future.