In response to Graham's sentiment, Chinn and Roberts have added effort, versatility and leadership to the Raiders defense. Roberts, entering his 10th NFL season, is fully embracing the role of being a heartbeat of the unit alongside Maxx Crosby. He's also excited to be coached by Graham, having played for a variety of coaches that overlapped with the Raiders coordinator at the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.
"[J]ust knowing how PG came about and his pedigree and his philosophy behind the game, I just know like, it's never moment I can't text him or pull up on him or just ask him, 'Man, let's talk ball,' because I know, man," Roberts said of his new defensive coordinator. "I'm telling you, PG is the type of guy he wakes up in the morning, he thinks about football."
He, along with White and former Patriots teammate Adam Butler, are the only three players on the defense that've hoisted a Lombardi Trophy.
"It's a lot of culture, the standard is there. But it can't just be talked about, we have to come in every day and you have to win the day," Roberts said. "You can't just come in and try to be one foot in, one foot out and I think Pete is doing a very good job of instilling that in us every day."
"I'm just trying to do my job," he added. "When I look at myself in the mirror, I definitely see a leader. ... I think I add value to the younger guys and even myself because if I'm always thinking about being an example, and not being a person that you're looking at using for an example, I'll always be where I need to be."