Oakland Raider fans are some of the most dedicated fans in football. The die-hards transform themselves with make-up, costumes and props into an alter ego. Many gather in the notoriously famous “Blackhole” section at the Network Associates Stadium to exert an undying energy of support for the Oakland Raiders and intimidate any visiting team.

At game time, up front in the midst of the mayhem, you can’t help but notice the energetic and comical Gorilla Rilla. A black furry creature with a tall grey and black striped hat and big beads around his neck. He becomes even more energetic with arms waving and beads flailing as his image is displayed monstrously tall on the big screen. The Raider fans go crazy with his enthusiasm.

The Gorilla Rilla is Mark Acasio’s alter ego. Mark Acasio is the owner of a successful landscaping company in Brentwood, California called Creative Yards. As a fun-loving life-long Raider fan, Acasio initially just wanted show support for his team, but, over time, has become much more than that as reaction to Gorilla Rilla increases in popularity.

“I got so much reaction from it that I kept it up,” says Acasio.

Besides the big screen at Raider games, the Gorilla Rilla was in a feature photo for the Oct 14 2004 Sports Illustrated issue, has been spotted in many newspapers featuring Raider fans, and can even be seen in the introductory video footage of Madden Football 2004.

The Gorilla enjoys broad appeal from fans of any age and gender. His humor and passion is instantly contagious. Add the Gorilla Rilla to any event and it becomes an instant hit.

When not at Raider related events, the Gorilla Rilla has been spotted giving away Turkeys at shelters, making special appearances at schools, and developing various Gorilla Rilla merchandise.

Acasio describes his drive to extend the popularity of the Gorilla Rilla outside the realm of football. “I love making people happy”

For his next appearance or to book the Gorilla for an event please click here.