ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA - Steve Wisniewski is the oldest and steadiest player on the Oakland Raiders' offensive line. <br>
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That's nothing new for Wisniewski, a 13-year NFL player who quietly announced his retirement before the Raiders' regular-season finale against the New York Jets. He's made 161 consecutive starts and played in 204 straight games. <br>
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He'll be there again Saturday, in what could be his final game, when the Raiders visit New England for a second-round playoff game. <br>
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Last year, when the Raiders led the league in rushing with 154.4 yards per game, four offensive linemen started every game. <br>
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The 34-year-old Wisniewski doesn't make a lot of noise - he was almost embarrassed when teammates presented him with a dirt bike, driven in by linebacker Greg Biekert during a team meeting - but he's certainly been a leader. <br>
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``He's been a great influence on me,'' Oakland center Adam Treu said. ``This is my fifth year with him. I have the locker next to him and he took me under his wing and showed me the right path.'' <br>
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Wisniewski, who will seek a career in the ministry following his playing days, was overwhelmed by his gift. <br>
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``I was touched beyond words,'' he said. ``I saw Biekert driving this motorcycle and revving the engines. I thought he lost his mind. This humbles me.'' <br>
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Treu, who took over as a starter when Barrett Robbins tore a knee ligament in the second game of the season, has been a pleasant surprise for the Raiders this year. Used almost exclusively as a long snapper in his four previous seasons, he has provided stability at the center position at a time the team began looking to convert tackle Matt Stinchcomb to that spot. <br>
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Treu credits Wisniewski for his ability to step in and play consistently. <br>
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``I can come to Wis with anything,'' Treu said. ``If it's something about football, he's there. Even if it's something off the field. When you line up next to him, you know we'll both have a lot of fun.'' <br>
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Frank Middleton, who stepped in at right guard when Mo Collins was injured in the third week of the season, said Wisniewski provides stability and motivation. <br>
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``He's a great guy,'' Middleton said. ``He plays hard the whole time. He's like a two-headed monster. In the locker room, he's nice and happy. On game days, he gets this cold look in his eyes. Everything changes. Nobody will be able to replace him.'' <br>
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Wisniewski nearly stepped away from football before the season. He missed the first week of training camp, but then - typically - showed up unannounced and joined the team. <br>
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``It's hard to find guys like Wisniewski as players, leaders and men,'' Oakland coach Jon Gruden said. ``He's a real deep thinker.'' <br>
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As for leaving the game for good, Treu said it will just be a natural progression. <br>
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``He's ready to go. He's very together in his personal life,'' he said. ``He won't have any trouble leaving the game.'' <br>
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Tackles Barry Sims and Lincoln Kennedy each missed one game this season, and both have been bothered by injuries much of the year. Sims has been playing with a foot injury, while Kennedy, who will be going to his second Pro Bowl this season, has been dealing with a shoulder problem. <br>
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Stinchcomb and Darryl Ashmore have also started on the offensive line for the Raiders.
