R.I.P., Al Davis

by Christopher Gates on Oct 8, 2011 9:54 AM CDT in NFL

This is a truly dark and sad day for fans of the National Football League everywhere, as the Oakland Raiders' official website is reporting that legendary owner Al Davis has passed away at the age of 82.

Al Davis was one of the few real mavericks that the NFL had left, and had a vision for his team that was truly unique. He had a long journey in the world of football, starting out as an offensive line coach at tiny Adelphi College in 1950, and moving on to places such as The Citadel and the University of Southern California before making it to the NFL. In 1966, he was named the Commissioner of the American Football League, and was vehemently against the merger of the AFL and the NFL, so much so that he resigned as Commissioner rather than be a part of it.

After resigning as AFL Commissioner, he bought 10% of the Oakland Raiders, and a couple of years later hired legendary coach John Madden. Davis has basically been the face of the Oakland Raiders for nearly five decades, and his passing will no doubt have a dramatic effect on the team. Though he had become the subject of some ridicule in more recent times, hopefully at this point we can remember the man for what he brought to the table as far as the shaping of the history of the National Football League.

R.I.P., Al Davis. The National Football League truly won't be the same without you.

Our friends at Silver and Black Pride will have more on the details of Mr. Davis' passing as they become available.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

He had quite the journey on his way to ownership

I find that interesting. I think that most owners are already pretty rich before football.

R.I.P. Al

by reebs on Oct 8, 2011 10:12 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

As respectful as possible,

I wonder how much this will affect the operations of the Raiders since his level of involvement was legendary. Then again, at 82, you’d think they’d have ‘contingency’ plan by now. Anyways…RIP

by Jepp The Viking on Oct 8, 2011 11:51 AM CDT reply actions

Two of the most innovating and wonderful people in their respective businesses passed this week

in Al Davis for the NFL and Steve Jobs for Apple. Al’s innovations on the game were truly phenomenal, and the NFL wouldn’t be the same as it is today without him. He will be truly missed, not just by Raiders fans.

RIP, Al.

“Just Win, Baby.”

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

SKOL VIKINGS!

by Landonio on Oct 8, 2011 2:29 PM CDT reply actions

Well said Landonio!

"Show me a hero, and I will write you a tragedy." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

by abba7 on Oct 8, 2011 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions

R.I.P. Mr. Davis

Living near the heart of the Raider Nation, it’s eerie to think that Al Davis is no longer around…

by PurpleX on Oct 8, 2011 3:10 PM CDT reply actions

minnesota said

yes to al davis first, then the nfl offered us a franchise . maybe thats why we are jinxed. rest in peace mr davis the rebel owner of the nfl.

by skol viking on Oct 8, 2011 3:45 PM CDT reply actions

Nice tidbit skol viking, heres another one.

On August 14, 1959, at the call of Dallas businessman Lamar Hunt, a new professional football league to be called the American Football League was organized to begin play in 1960. Charter memberships were issued to Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and New York. Buffalo and Boston were admitted later that year. Early in 1960, Minneapolis defected to the National Football League and Oakland was picked as a replacement city.

by iowaron on Oct 9, 2011 9:45 AM CDT reply actions