AP

Oakland Raiders Bo Jackson, left, chats with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham following the Eagles 10-7 win in their game at Philadelphias Veterans Stadium, Oct. 23, 1989. Cunningham ran for 57 yards on nine attempts and scored a touchdown while Jackson ran for 79 yards on 20 attempts. (AP Photo/CharlesKrupa)

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Saturday, July 11, 2020 | 2 a.m.

Randall Cunningham has been praying for the Las Vegas Raiders since before the franchise arrived in town.

Over a year ago I started going to the practice facility and parking across the street and praying for their success, Cunningham said.

Cunninghams affiliation with the team has become a little more official since then, as the Las Vegas resident and UNLV legend is now serving as the Raiders team chaplain.

The previous chaplain, former Oakland Raider Napoleon Kaufman, was unable to follow the team from the Bay Area to Las Vegas. Kaufman suggested Cunningham for the role, and head coach Jon Gruden introduced Cunningham to the team on a Zoom call several weeks ago.

Cunningham passed for 8,290 yards and 61 touchdowns during his three years at UNLV (1982-84), then went on to a 16-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. He passed for 29,979 yards and threw 2017 touchdowns in the NFL and was selected for four Pro Bowls.

Since his introduction to the Raiders, Cunningham has heard from a handful of players.

Its already started off great, Cunningham said. Its been nice developing those relationships through video. When coach Gruden introduced me he said some great things. We had been together my last year with the Eagles, and he said, I trust this guy.

Cunningham embraced faith during his playing days, and in 2000 he served as a player-chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite his extensive playing experience at a cerebral position, Cunningham stressed that his current role is about shepherding players, not coaching them.

My role is not a coaching role, he said. My role is spiritual role. Im not going to get into Xs and Os; thats coach Gruden and his staffs job. My assignment is really to pray for them behind the scene and make sure Im available to their families.

Cunninghams church, Remnant Ministries, is open to players, and he wants them to feel comfortable at the house of worship.

Ive already spoken to the people in our church and said when the Raiders come, its not going to be an autograph session. These guys need to know that this is their home, and we need to act like theyre family, and love them and pray for them without being overbearing toward them. Just let them live their lives.

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [emailprotected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.

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UNLV, NFL great Cunningham ready to heed the Raiders' spiritual needs - Las Vegas Sun