Seymour finally reports for duty in Oakland

The former Patriot arrived in Oakland, Calif., reporting for the first time since being traded from New England a week ago.

“One thing I can assure Raider nation is I was [No. 93], I’m 92 now and 92 is ready to play some football, and I’m ready to kick things off on Monday night,’’ Seymour said.

Seymour’s appearance ended the saga two days before Oakland’s season-opener against San Diego. The move officially cements the deal that sent Seymour, a five-time Pro Bowl defensive end, to Oakland for a 2011 first-round pick.

Once Seymour learned he was traded, he said he needed time to relocate his family, which includes his wife, four children, and a younger cousin, whom he has guardianship over.

“Since I got the call that I was being traded, my life has really been a whirlwind,’’ Seymour said. “I’ve really been blindsided by the events that took place. I didn’t expect it. I didn’t understand what was going on. So when something happens, when you’re blindsided, you have to step back and realize what situation you’re in.’’

All along, Seymour said he was in contact with Oakland owner Al Davis and coach Tom Cable and was planning to join the team after he settled his family.

Despite the sudden move a week before the season, Seymour spoke fondly of his time in New England. He said he was thankful the Patriots picked him in the first round of the 2001 draft.

“To the Kraft family, I thank you for that, and to my teammates in New England, you know we’ve had a lot of great years together, won a lot of football games,’’ Seymour said.

After eight seasons with the Patriots, which included three Super Bowl championships, Seymour will continue his career on the West Coast.

The drama was building before Seymour’s arrival. A grievance was filed on Seymour’s behalf by the NFL Players Association, but it was withdrawn yesterday. The grievance challenged the Raiders’ right to send a “five-day letter’’ to a player that had been traded.

On Thursday, the Raiders sent a letter indicating Seymour must report by Sept. 15 or face being put on the reserve/left squad list. Such a move would have meant Seymour could not play this season, would not receive a salary, and would lose an accrued season of NFL service. A lost season would have prevented Seymour from being eligible for unrestricted free agency after this season.

“I wish him all the best. He knows it’s a business, and so he’s willing to move on,’’ Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork said. “We’re getting ready for the Buffalo Bills, and that’s one less thing that we’re worrying about right now. But on a personal level, we’re friends, we’ll remain friends, I don’t care where he goes.’’

Wilfork earned the honor for the second season despite sitting out voluntary organized team activities in the spring as he sought a contract extension. Even though a new deal did not materialize, Wilfork did participate in the mandatory activities. He said he was happy about being selected a captain.

“The love of the game is always going to be there no matter what I go through,’’ Wilfork said. “I’m very honored my teammates could see through the business side of everything and still elect me as a captain, so that’s a good feeling.’’

Wilfork is in the last year of his contract and deflected a question about that by saying he is focused on tomorrow night’s season opener against the Bills.

With Tedy Bruschi retiring and Seymour being traded, Wilfork said leadership is important, but added that anyone can take on that role.

“I’ll continue to do what I’ve been doing, which is lead by example,’’ Wilfork said. “When I need to say something, I say something. But everybody is captains on this team. We just have to name some. If you look around, you could just pull anybody up because they know what it’s all about. Leadership will be the key for us this season, and I think everybody knows that. Everybody is capable of going out and being a leader because we’ve got each other’s back.’’

Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com.