Al Davis
Al Davis
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Al Davis was born Allie Everett "Al" Davis on July 25, 1926. He is commonly known as Al Davis.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: July 25, 1926
Died: October 7, 2011
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession(s): Lawyer, Sports Executive, Owner of the Oakland Raiders (American Football team)
Early Life and Background
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Al Davis was born in Brooklyn, New York. His early life was marked by a strong passion for football. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School, where he played on the school's track and field teams. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Davis enrolled at Syracuse University to study law.
Major Accomplishments
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Davis began his career as an assistant coach with the New York Giants from 1951-1956. He later joined the Baltimore Colts as their director of player personnel from 1963-1965 before becoming the general manager and head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 1966. Under his leadership, the Raiders achieved significant success on the field and became one of the most iconic teams in American football.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions by Davis include:
Drafting Pro Football Hall of Famers: During his tenure as general manager and head coach of the Oakland Raiders, Davis played a crucial role in drafting numerous Hall of Famers, including Jim Otto, Gene Upshaw, Ken Stabler, and Howie Long.
Implementing Innovative Player Benefits: Davis was instrumental in establishing the NFL Players Association and negotiating improved benefits for players. He also introduced the concept of the "Raiders Alumni Association," a group that supports former Raiders players.
Impact and Legacy
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Al Davis's impact on American football extends far beyond his achievements as a coach and team owner. He was an advocate for player rights, paving the way for improved working conditions and benefits for athletes across the league. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of sports executives and owners.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Al Davis is widely quoted and remembered for his unwavering commitment to football and his dedication to creating a better experience for players and fans alike. His innovative approach to team management, combined with his passion for the sport, has left an indelible mark on American football history.
Quotes by Al Davis
Al Davis's insights on:
I’d like my next head coach to be winning oriented. We would consider anyone that we think is right.
If it weren’t for a new rule that came into being, we’d have played three years in a row in the championship game.
We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That’s our passion here.
I’m in pro football to win, to have the Raiders dominate, to have the Raiders global, and we’re not going to be able to do that with a half-filled stadium.
