Oakland Raiders Uber Fan Dr. Death Makes Cover Of Sports Illustrated
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A West Sacramento man has just made the cover of Sports Illustrated and he's not even an athlete.
Ray Perez, in full costume as Raiders alter-ego, uber fan "Dr. Death" will be on the cover for the magazine's special report titled "Football in America."
"It's so surreal for me, and I'm so appreciative," Perez said. "I'm honored to be on something of this magnitude."
The Sports Illustrated report is an examination of money, politics, and health concerns that surround the game.
"We have to remember the NFL is what makes our culture, and we have to fight to make it better," Perez said.
The feature also comes as the Raiders are considering relocating. It's a move that Perez said would end his love affair with the team.
"When we give loyalty during an 0-and-10 season, and the loyalty isn't reciprocated, I'm not in a cult, I don't have to be forced to follow anybody at any time," Perez said.
Perez's Dr. Death character wears Raiders uniform number 26. It's a tribute to former Raider Skip Thomas, who wore number 26.
"He was the epitome of what the Raiders are," Perez said.
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But now it's the fan, not the football player, who's made the cover of Sports Illustrated.
