March 24, 2006

Quarshie preparing for new season with Oakland Raiders 

With a season of NFL experience behind him, Michael Quarshie has signed a new contract that will keep him a member of the Oakland Raiders in 2006.

The defensive lineman, who spent the 2005 season with the Raiders as a member of the team’s practice squad, will continue to train at the team’s practice facility in preparation for training camp in July. 

“Last season was really a great experience,” says Michael. “I’m happy the Raiders were so pleased with my performance to sign me to a new contract. Right now I’m anxious to get back on the field and begin work with the coaches and my teammates.”

PHOTO: C.J. Brooks

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“This is a fantastic opportunity for me with the Raiders,” Quarshie said. “I’m enjoying the off-season here in Oakland, training with my teammates and soaking in as much of the Raiders’ defensive system as I can.” 

“Last season was really a great experience,” he continued. “I’m happy the Raiders were so pleased with my performance to sign me to a new contract. Right now I’m anxious to get back on the field and begin work with the coaches and my teammates.”

His deal with Oakland means Quarshie will not return in 2006 to NFL Europe, where he competed last year as a member of the Frankfurt Galaxy. The tradeoff is that Raiders coaches will be able to tutor the defensive lineman throughout the offseason. 

“I’m sorry I won’t be going back to NFL Europe, which I really loved playing in last year,” Quarshie said. “But I am thrilled to be a member of the Oakland Raiders. I plan on dedicating myself to training and study to ensure that I make the team for the 2006 season.” 

After the 2005 season ended, Quarshie was able to enjoy some time with his friends and family back home in Finland for a few weeks. He said he wanted to thank many of his friends, countrymen and raider nation memebers or raider fans for their messages of support while he was in Oakland. 

During his trip home, Quarshie began work on organizing a football camp scheduled for this summer that will promote both football in Finland and multiculturalism. 

“This is a project I’m really excited about,” he said. “We’re hoping to raise the profile of football in Finland, and also hoping to show how sports is a great equalizer of people and can break down some of our cultural barriers.” 

The Raiders’ lineman is working with the Finnish Football Federation to organize the logistics of the event, which should take place in early July), and has commitments from some of his friends and teammates to participate. The event will be endorsed by Dr. Pentti Arajärvi, husband of the current president.

“It’s going to be a great learning event,” he said. “Plus, it’s football, so it’s bound to be a lot of fun too.”