Friday 9 December 2016 00:32, UK
Oakland is one of the toughest neighbourhoods in America to grow up in. Having the support of family is invaluable.
Marcus Peters made sure that one of the fundamentals in his life was his family, who supported him throughout adolescence. It was playing football that kept a young Peters off the streets and out of trouble. It helped that his father was the coach of his high school team.
However, it was at college where Peters' personality got him into trouble. After tallying eight interceptions in his first two years at the University of Washington, the cornerback clashed with the new coaching staff in his junior year.
After initially being suspended for one game, head coach Chris Peterson dismissed Peters following several clashes with various members of the Huskies' staff.
Peters declared for the 2015 NFL Draft, but his expulsion left a black mark that had teams questioning his attitude and maturity.
"I wouldn't take him inside the first two rounds. He's good, but he's not that good that I would be willing to deal with his emotional issues," said one executive.
"The tape shows his capabilities. He can be really good if you can control him. He's on our board right now but there were some long talks about him in meetings."
He was taken by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 18th pick, and has already proved himself as a team player, fully committed to the coaching staff and helping the organisation progress. The reward came after his first year, when he was voted Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Progression since Peters' arrival has been clear. Kansas City have won 20 of their last 28 games since the start of his rookie season, with Peters contributing 13 interceptions. Their most recent loss, a 19-17 defeat by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, came when Peters was injured.
The rise to prominence has been rapid, and as well as helping Kansas towards a play-off berth, Peters looks like likely to be selected for his second Pro Bowl.
In week 14, Peters will take on his home town for the fourth time in his career. He is yet to lose against the Raiders, despite their 10-2 record. His love for the city he grew up in is clear, but will never extend to game day. Growing up in Oakland has shaped his personality on and off the pitch, but it's that competitive nature that got him to the NFL, and one that won't be happy until he has another win under his belt.
Watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Oakland Raiders on December 8, from 12:30am on Sky Sports 1.
