HENDERSON, Nev. -- Two decades before he took the reins of the Las Vegas Raiders, John Spytek began his journey in the NFL as an intern with the Detroit Lions. In 2004, at just 24 years old, he was earning $250 a week while assisting the operations staff. His six-month tenure included spending time with scouts in the film room, where his passion for football truly blossomed.

Originally hailing from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Spytek was not just dedicated to his NFL internship; he also juggled a bartending job at a local bar in Ann Arbor three nights a week to make ends meet. I was just trying to survive, Spytek told ESPN, reflecting on those early formative years.

Craig Vandermause, who served as the Lions' director of football operations during that time, recalled how Spytek's dedication set him apart from other interns. In fact, Vandermause even suspected that Spytek might have been spending nights at the facility due to the long hours he logged. He would eat, sleep, and drink football, man, Vandermause reminisced. He was crazy.

Spytek's early commitment to the game paved the way for a remarkable career in scouting. He eventually landed roles with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Denver Broncos, where he honed his skills in evaluating talent and building draft classes. His tenure as assistant general manager for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw him play a pivotal role in the team's 2024 draft, where they selected standout players like wide receiver Jalen McMillan and running back Bucky Irving. McMillan quickly became a key asset with eight touchdown receptions, while Irving rushed for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season.

In Tampa, we matched quality tape with quality character, Spytek explained. Even if others thought we drafted some players too high, the results proved we were building a solid program on those picks.

This coming Thursday marks a significant milestone in Spytek's career, as he will be at the forefront of the Raiders war room during the 2025 NFL Draft, where they hold the coveted No. 6 pick. Team owner Mark Davis firmly believes that Spytek, now 44, paired with head coach Pete Carroll, who is 73, brings a much-needed balance and experience to an organization that has struggled for consistency and success in recent years.

John Elway, the former Hall of Fame quarterback and Broncos general manager, praised Spyteks ascent in the league. You just knew he was going to get an opportunity to be a GM, Elway remarked. I think the Raiders are in good hands.

Spyteks football journey began in high school at Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he played outside linebacker under coach Bill Young. Young described Spytek as one of the best players he'd ever coached, highlighting his physicality and keen understanding of the game. Spyteks passion for film study became evident early on; he was always the last to leave the film room, often watching hours of tape on VHS with Young.

John had an innate ability to break down plays, Young said. He understood concepts far beyond his age. Even as a high school athlete, Spytek had an analytical approach, often focusing more on player performance than mere schemes.

However, the transition to college football came with its challenges. After earning a scholarship to Michigan, Spytek quickly recognized the gap between his abilities and those of his peers. During a game against Wisconsin in 2000, he watched from the sidelines as linebacker Victor Hobson executed a powerful tackle, realizing, Ill never be able to do that.

Despite not making a significant impact on the field in his 37 career games at Michigan, Spyteks love for the sport only deepened. After college, he pursued an internship with the Lions, where he immediately connected with Vandermause. Both shared a Wisconsin background and a love for Michigan football. Spyteks curiosity about the game and dedication to learning quickly impressed Vandermause and the rest of the team.

Vandermause noted, He was like a sponge, always seeking more knowledge. Spytek immersed himself in understanding what scouts looked for in players, from speed to character. He became known for his willingness to learn, asking questions, and seeking insights from everyone around him.

Spyteks career advanced as he spent five seasons with the Eagles, first as an intern, then moving up to scouting assistant and later a college and pro scout. His time in Cleveland solidified his reputation as a director of college scouting under GM Tom Heckert. Spytek fondly remembers discovering Oregon safety T.J. Ward, whose toughness and explosiveness made him stand out on film. He had a unique ability to strike, Spytek said, emphasizing his admiration for Wards compact yet powerful physique.

After losing his position with the Browns in 2013, Spytek quickly rebounded. His connection with Matt Russell, who was then the Broncos director of player personnel, led him to a position in Denver. Spyteks talent for identifying potential was recognized promptly by Elway, leading to his swift promotion to a national scout.

Its rare for someone to ascend so quickly in this field, Elway noted, praising Spyteks ability to evaluate talent effectively. This skill set followed him to Tampa Bay, where he became the director of player personnel and later the assistant general manager.

Spyteks knack for uncovering late-round talent has earned him admiration from colleagues. His early experiences as a scout, where he focused on evaluating lesser-known players, contributed to his success in identifying hidden gems. Russell stated, Spytek has a knack for finding players who others overlook. It speaks to his confidence and diligence as a scout.

Even during his brief time in Detroit, Spytek cultivated relationships that would prove beneficial for his career. Former GM Martin Mayhew, who had a longstanding relationship with Spytek, often reached out to him for insights during trade discussions.

Spyteks early internship also provided him with insights into the overall operations of an NFL franchise. He learned about practice coordination and salary cap management, which are crucial for building a successful team. I took pride in the few player evaluations I got right, he reflected, highlighting the early lessons that shaped his career.

Today, Spytek faces a significant challenge in his new role as GM, particularly considering the Raiders' recent struggles. The team has only made the playoffs twice since 2002, and owner Mark Davis has experienced a revolving door of head coaches and general managers since he took over the franchise in 2011. This tumultuous period peaked when Jon Gruden resigned mid-season in 2021 due to the fallout from controversial emails.

As of the 2024 season, the Raiders had gone through five head coaches and four GMs, resulting in a dismal record of 18-33. This stands in stark contrast to their AFC West rivals, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, who have consistently made the postseason and found success.

In the upcoming 2025 season, the AFC West boasts some of the most accomplished coaching talent in the league, with figures like Andy Reid, Jim Harbaugh, Sean Payton, and Carroll combining for an impressive 721 career wins and multiple Super Bowl titles. Despite the daunting competition, Spytek remains undaunted. Jason Licht asked me if I was sure I wanted to go to that division, he said, underscoring his competitive spirit.

Spyteks vision for the Raiders involves building a resilient team capable of competing with the best. He is closely collaborating with Carroll and minority owner Tom Brady, who shared a brief playing stint with Spytek at Michigan before reuniting in Tampa. Together, they share ten Super Bowl victories, instilling hope for the Raiders' future under their leadership.

I have the patience to get this right, and I believe we have the right people, Davis expressed after Spytek and Carroll's introduction. Both Spytek and Carroll are dedicated to forging a partnership aimed at sustained success, with Spytek emphasizing the importance of collaboration in their roles.

As they embark on this journey, Spytek is consulting with Brady on football decisions, and he remains confident in the Raiders path forward. Were not backing down from any of the great teams in our division, he affirmed. Were going to build the best team we can and compete fiercely every Sunday.