The Las Vegas Raiders’ attempt at an April Fools’ joke did not land … or did it?
The Raiders’ social media team posted a long-winded statement Wednesday on the direction of the franchise after an organizational overhaul, touting cliches like a “commitment to excellence,” evolving to higher standards and executing plan to position the franchise for “long-term success.”
This is proper lip service for an organization that is starting over with a new head coach and quarterback this season. However, it buried the actual punchline of the statement: the removal of a circle on news releases that has been an inside joke for fans on social media for some time.
If the objective was to fool, mission accomplished.
Many readers who skimmed the statement were left searching for their own humor.
🟡The joke you intended
🔵The actual joke pic.twitter.com/9LmhBgevij
— stillnotkevindurant (@stillnotkevind1) April 1, 2026
“Did the admin think the funniest possible April Fool’s joke was just writing the longest possible statement in small font that actually says nothing,” one fan wrote on X.
“‘The Rich history of the Raiders organization has always been defined by a commitment to excellence’ Definitely an April Fools joke,” a second fan said on X. “Good one Raiders.”
“You need a lot of patience being a raiders fan,” a third fan admitted.
The post, fitting of vagueposting, the act of posting intentionally cryptic, vague or emotionally charges messages on social media, left many fans bracing for a franchise-altering move.
“Damn, Mark really is selling the team,” a fan replied, referring to Davis’ comments about a succession plan for the franchise this week.
“‘We’re still accepting offers for (Maxx Crosby),’” another fan said, offering their read between the lines of the statement.
“This very well could just be an April Fools joke, but my Raiders PTSD is kicking in and now I’m worried they’re gonna trade the first pick. Will now be anxious until they draft Mendoza,” another fan wrote.
The post garnered over 750,000 views on X as of Wednesday afternoon.
Contact Trevor Squire at tsquire@reviewjournal.com Follow him at @trevordsquire on X for more.