RIP Al Davis

[Suttree]

A true maverick and pioneer dead at 82. More than the Super Bowls and what he meant to the NFL some things that I respect...

 

Davis supported African-Americans even when it was rarely popular, standing with them in the face of Jim Crow incidents in the 1960s. He believed in second chances, believed in equal rights. Insofar as he believed what he believed with such profound conviction, no one — past, present or future — was more committed to his own personal rhythms.

 

In the macho world of the NFL, Davis in 1987 recruited a young woman, Amy Trask, and developed her until she became his chief lieutenant, as synonymous with the Raiders as he was. He did it not to be a pioneer but because he admired her intellect, toughness, loyalty, dedication and ambition.

 

Davis in 1988 hired the first black head coach in the modern NFL.

 

He is a legend and will be missed.

[John E. Kelley]

Also the real lynchpin in seeing the AFL and NFL finally merge.