'No better time than now': Justin Fargas embraces coaching opportunity with the Silver and Black

Justin Fargas, a former running back for the Raiders, has made a productive return to the team through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, aiming to contribute to the organization's success. He was drafted by the Raiders in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft and played seven seasons, starting 32 games and achieving a standout 2007 season with 1,009 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Fargas, who grew up as a Raiders fan admiring legends like Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson, expressed honor in having played for the franchise.

In 2021, Fargas and his family relocated to Las Vegas after his wife, Nikki, was appointed president of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, where she has led the team to three championships in four seasons. Now living in the same city as the Raiders' new home, Fargas is focused on helping bring similar success to the football team. The Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, established in 1987, provides opportunities for former NFL players or those with coaching experience to enter coaching roles, aiming to increase minority representation in NFL coaching staffs.

Fargas was encouraged to apply for the fellowship by his former college coach, Pete Carroll, under whom he played at USC, rushing for 715 yards and seven touchdowns in a successful season. He also has connections to the Raiders' staff, having been teammates with general manager John Spytek at Michigan. Fargas emphasized his long-held desire to contribute to the Raiders, stating that the timing felt right and he couldn't hesitate to seize this opportunity.

Since joining the Raiders in training camp, Fargas has been working with the running backs group under the guidance of Deland McCullough, a former NFL running back with extensive coaching experience. McCullough noted that Fargas brings valuable perspective as a former player with organizational history, helping young players like Ashton Jeanty and Raheem Mostert, while Fargas continues to learn the nuances of coaching.