Sunday, October 9, 2011
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-- Al Davis, whose iron-fisted reign over the Raiders for practically their entire existence led to three Super Bowl titles and made the silver-and-black franchise a symbol of renegade toughness, died Saturday. He was 82.
The Raiders said Mr. Davis died at his home, which in his final years was a hotel near the Oakland airport. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Each NFL game this weekend will feature a moment of silence for Mr. Davis. The Raiders posted a stirring, 90-second tribute video on their website and issued a statement.
"Al Davis was unique - a maverick, a giant among giants, a true legend. ... He was an innovator, a pioneer with a deep love ... for the game of football. His contributions to the game are innumerable and his legacy will endure. ... Al Davis was a champion of diversity (he hired the first black coach in the NFL, Art Shell) who maintained the courage of his convictions. His passion for the game we all love is best exemplified by his famous phrase, 'COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.' "
Brilliant, enigmatic and unapologetically independent, Mr. Davis turned the Raiders into one of the most successful franchises in pro football in the 1960s and '70s. A keen judge of talent, he was willing to accept other team's castoffs and troublemakers and able to get the best out of them.
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