FOXBOROUGH — Blood is thicker than football.

The New England Patriots home opener against the Oakland Raiders may be just like any other home opener for other players on the team, but not for running back Stevan Ridley. It just so happens that the Raiders are Ridley’s dad’s former favorite team.

“It’s going to be awesome, man,” Ridley said. “Personally, my dad’s old favorite team was the Raiders until, of course, I became a Patriot. So we’ve got about 14 people coming up this week. My mom’s very excited about it, and my family’s going to be here, so it’s going to be an exciting atmosphere to come back to Foxborough and get back in the home stadium. I’m looking forward to it, and the team’s excited about not being on the road.”


Ridley scored his first career rushing touchdown against the Raiders in 2011, and rushed 10 times for 97 yards in the game. There’s no question as to what color jersey Leon — Stevan’s father — will be wearing on Sunday.

“He’ll be in the 2-2 all the way, man. No black and silver for him,” Ridley said.

The Patriots are 25-4 at home in Ridley’s three-year career with the team. Ridley could play a big part in helping the team improve to 26-4 against a Raiders defense that ranks dead last against the run and 26th in yards per carry.

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