Denvr_Sports_Insider's Blog

New Oakland Raiders wide receiver Ashley Lelie is gearing up to play against his former Denver Broncos team next Monday night. In advance of the matchup Lelie’s agent, Peter Schaffer, checked in with Fox 31’s Josina Anderson for a quick Q&A.

Josina: With Javon Walker being slowed by injuries and off-the-field issues since arriving in Oakland as well, how much does that help Ashley’s new situation with the Raiders?

Peter: Well obviously nobody is happy that Javon Walker is hurt. It’s a shame, and he hopes as Javon’s teammate he gets healthy real quick. On the other side the show has got to go on, and Ashley just hopes that he can help the team by filling-in to the best of his capabilities on Monday night.

Josina: So did you target Oakland to seize upon the Walker situation from the standpoint of Ashley being on a team where he can contribute more frequently?

Peter: I looked at everything for today, tomorrow, next week, next year. We just thought that the overall situation in Oakland was in his best interest to be a Raider.

Josina: How do you think the deep threat skills Ashley came to be known for in Denver will be utilized in Oakland’s system?

Peter: Historically, it is a long ball deep vertical passing game. That’s the way it’s historically been and that’s what they are famous for. There’s no doubt that’s one of Ashley’s strengths. He proved in Denver that he is an all around receiver, and we believe he can be successful in any system.

Josina: With that said how do you think things went for him in Atlanta?

Peter: Well I think that things would have been great in Atlanta. He suffered an unfortunate muscle pull that affected it, but you can never look back. You always have to look forward. There are things you can control, and certain things you can’t control. The one thing that Ashley has been able to control is his work ethic and his positive outlook- and that has never changed. I think that has got him through all this as a player and as a person.

Josina: So is Ashley’s opportunity in Oakland a chance to re-establish himself?


Peter: He looks at the NFL as having to re-establish your tenure every year. It doesn’t matter if you had five catches for 50 yards, or ten catches for 1000 yards. The NFL requires you to re-establish your tenure all the time.


Josina: I know you’ve had a number of Broncos on your client list and you’re familiar with the team being a local agent. Do you think the Raiders have surpassed the Broncos with all their recent additions?

Peter: Both teams can be 16-0. Both teams could be 0-16. You really never know. They both have made perceived significant upgrades so only time will tell.