Oakland Raiders Owner Al Davis Dead At 82

Oakland Raiders team owner Al Davis passed away on Saturday, he was 82-years-old.

The announcement of Davis’ passing came from a team statement that read:

“The Oakland Raiders are deeply saddened by the passing of Al Davis,” while adding, “Al Davis was unique, a maverick, a giant among giants, a true legend among legends, the brightest star among stars, a hero, a mentor, a friend.”

Known as a rebel among NFL team owners Davis found in the 1980s to move his team from Oakland to Los Angeles and then after he moved the Raiders back to the Bay Area in 1995 he sued to establish his rights over the L.A. market, a $1.2 billion battle.

Davis was also seen as one of the leagues eventual leaders during the AFL (Commissioner Role) and NFL merger. While Davis was not in favor of the merger at the start of talks he was aggressively pursuing NFL’s top talent which eventually helped the two leagues reach an agreement in the 1970s.

Speaking about the loss of a friend NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said:

“Al Davis’s passion for football and his influence on the game were extraordinary,” while he added, “He defined the Raiders and contributed to pro football at every level. The respect he commanded was evident in the way that people listened carefully every time he spoke. He is a true legend of the game whose impact and legacy will forever be part of the NFL.”

Continuing with their own statement the Raiders front office revealed:

“His contributions to the game are innumerable and his legacy will endure forever through generations of players, coaches, administrators and fans.”

Davis will truly be missed not only by Oakland Raiders fans but by true fans of the NFL who recognize his various contributions to the league from its inception to current day dealings.

Are you sad to hear about Al Davis’ passing?