On This Date In Raiders History: Longtime Owner Al Davis Passes Away

Al Davis

On This Date In Raiders History:

October 8, 2011

It has now been two years since the iconic owner of the Oakland Raiders passed away due to congestive heart failure.

Al Davis became head coach and general manager of the Raiders in 1963 and remained there until 1966 when he was named the Commissioner of the American Football League. However, he lasted just a few months in that position before resigning.

Davis had a small stake in the Raiders until 1972, when he became the took over team operations and began his run as the head of the Raiders. He also took on the job of general manager of the team.

Since he took over operations of the Raiders, the team has won three Super Bowls and made the playoffs 17 times. Davis moved the team to Los Angeles from 1982-1994 before bringing them back to Oakland. The Raiders became one of four teams to play in a Super Bowl in four different decades.

Davis was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 1992 as a Team and League Administrator and has presented nine Hall of Fame inductees in Canton.

Davis became known for his mantras, “Just Win, Baby” and “Commitment To Excellence”.

The longtime owner will forever be the face of the franchise and the Raiders continue to wear a shield with “AL” on the back of their helmets.