In a week that saw the world lose one of the true modern innovators of technology, football fans mourn the loss of another icon with the passing of Al Davis on Saturday.
“Al Davis’s passion for football and his influence on the game were extraordinary. He defined the Raiders and contributed to pro football at every level. Al Davis is a true legend of the game whose impact and legacy will forever be part of the NFL,” tweeted Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner.
The 82-year old Oakland Raiders owner, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992, passed away at his home in Oakland. The renegade football figure who was a personnel assistant, scout, assistant coach, head coach, general manager, commissioner, team owner and CEO during his lifetime, leaves behind a football legacy unmatched by few.
“Not sure if I can identify greater contributor to the game than Al Davis. Even those who battled on field, in court & in media honor him,” ESPN’s Chris Mortensen posted on Twitter As an owner he implored his team to ‘Just win, baby’, Davis made his mark in football and in the lives of the players, coaches, media and fans that he encountered.
“A leader, an innovator & a friend. Al Davis marched to his own drum & will be missed. RIP AL Davis 1929-2011,” tweeted Magic Johson, NBA Hall of Famer.
“I grew up a Raiders fan. My deepest sympathies to the @raiders and Davis Family. Truly a sad day for football. RIP Al Davis,” tweeted Barry Sanders, NFL Hall of Famer.
“Al Davis has passed away at 82. His team is playing well this season. They have always had their own idenity. Football has lost an icon,” tweeted Rich Brooks, Kentucky football coach.
“Rest in peace, Al Davis. Knew him well. Admired his vast football knowledge, against-the-grain courage. AFL commish, coach, GM, owner. Rare,” tweeted Skip Bayless, ESPN.
“Rest in piece al davis, you will be missed sir, we lost two pioneers this week…aaaaaagh,” tweeted Shaquille O’Neal, retired NBA great.
Davis’ impact reached beyond the football world. The Raiders’ team philosophy and swagger resonated with members of the hip-hop community including early pioneers of West Coast rap, N.W.A. – who would often wear Raiders apparel on stage and in videos. Davis even supplied N.W.A. with some team gear during the rap groups’ ascent into mainstream consciousness.
According to a tweet from Adam Schefter, the last person to interview Davis for ESPN was one of the original founders of N.W.A., Ice Cube.
“Rest in Power to The Al Davis “win baby win”. U will be missed,” tweeted Snoop Dogg, rapper.
“Damn…R.I.P. Al Davis… Unlike no other,fearless,content,consistent,& just an all around unforgettable figure in American football,” Lil Wayne, rapper.
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