Raiders owner Al Davis passes away at age 82

[Triumph]

BTW, born in Brockton.

Didnt know that.

Howie Long was born in Mass too.

 

[Triumph]

FWIW, of the three away games we had, Raiders were the only team to have a moment of silence for Myra Kraft prior to the game.

The Raiders and their fanbase are alot more classy than they get credit for. Reports from those who went to the Oakland game were that Pats fans had a very good time.

 

[alamo]

Not to sound completely distasteful but I find it hilarious how everyone is talking about how great he was. For YEARS lately, all people have done is ridicule him and talk about how once he's gone, the Raiders will be able to draft better, make better financial decisions, etc. Now that he IS gone, people are going back on what they said. Are people afraid to say what they really think because it may seem distasteful? If so, that's pathetic.

There's a big difference between criticizing what he currently is when he's still alive and running things, and then praising his overall career when he dies. It's not hypocritial, not "going back on what they said". His recent career can not and should not erase or overshadow the rest of his career.

I am surprised there are actually some messages in this thread which are in bad taste. (Not meaning the one I quoted.) But thankfully not too many.

RIP Mr. Davis.

 

[SoonerPatriot]

He contributed a lot to the game. And I do mean a lot. But that said, I didn't care for his comments/behavior after the tuck rule game. Because of that, I also find it a little ironic that the last football game he watched in person was the Pats beating Oakland's *****.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

Wow, Shocker....... RIP Al. You will be missed.

Not to be in poor taste but I we feel we have to post this out of respect and grudging admiration. There are few that were as passionate about the game as you were for so many years.

 

[Rusty Coupe]

This is a good article by Jim Plunkett talking about his relationship with Al Davis after leaving his years as a starting QB with the Patriots. The way he talks about Davis wanting his players to be all in, and committed to the team sounds a lot like Belichick.
Plunkett on Davis: 'He unlocked the best in me' - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

 

[scout]

Not to sound completely distasteful but I find it hilarious how everyone is talking about how great he was. For YEARS lately, all people have done is ridicule him and talk about how once he's gone, the Raiders will be able to draft better, make better financial decisions, etc. Now that he IS gone, people are going back on what they said. Are people afraid to say what they really think because it may seem distasteful? If so, that's pathetic.

Al Davis had a huge impact on the game. Some good, some AWFUL. In my opinion the Raiders will become a stronger team without him...

With that being said, RIP Al Davis

I'm glad you don't know me, as I wouldn't want you to give me a tribute when I pass. What was he supposed to be "great" every decade? Heck, read the posts about BB after the Pats lose.
What I'll remember about Al: During the heyday, nobody won better then the Raiders "just win baby". MNF and the Raiders, any of you older guys remember the record. They loved the attention and would not disappoint. If you were a malcontent the NFL had a team for you, they wore black and had a picture of skull bones at the ready. I've occasionally read where some fans don't like the current commissioner. Did you think Al gave a rats' asss about hurting the commish's feelings. Move here for a couple of million and move back for a couple more. I don't think BB was pulling any punches in talking Al up the other day. He might even had known the end was near. RIP Al, you were a pioneer.

 

[captain insano]

my thoughts prayers and sincere condolences to his entire family. rip al. proud to say i grew up in the same city were al was from. the city of champions brockton ma.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

A crazy man but nevertheless a legend in this sport and titles to remember him for

Rest in peace Mr. Davis

 

[VJCPatriot]

Yeah he gets flak for the bad moves like picking Jamarcuss Russell and Heyward-Bey but he should also get credit for drafting studs like Asomugha and McFadden. Al Davis was an imperfect man for sure and made a lot of questionable moves, but there is no question that he was completely dedicated to the game of football and contributed so much to what it is today. RIP Al Davis.

The Seymour trade seemed crazy at the time, but as it turns out, it was a win/win, or some may even give that to Al. Yeah, we got a productive Moss for a 4th, but that was no sure thing, as Minnesota and Tennessee found out.

His crazy contract for Lechler was pretty much indefensible, as was the Asomugha deal, but his recent track record, even as a senile crazy old man is still just as good, if not better than half the GMs in this league.

 

[NEPatriot]

Re: OT: Al Davis has passed away!

We should try to remember him as the pioneer that he was, in the 1960's and 70's when he was a big part of making the game what it is today.

Condolences to his family and all the Raiders fans.

Agreed. To me death isn't something to be made fun of. He contributed a lot to the game we love.

 

[loofasisgeek]

I always wondered if Al Davis was a heck of alot smarter than people gave him credit for - especially in this last decade. The teams weren't great, but he cultivated a brand around the Raiders. He went for speed and excitement and badness... that sells shirts.

 

[Fencer]

Great entrepreneurs commonly have a lot to dislike about them, just as successful political leaders do.

Davis was no different in those respects.

Congrats to him for a life lived on his terms, in which he accomplished much.

 

[PatsFan24]

The Raiders just won't be the same without Al Davis. Neither will the NFL. Epic loss.

 

[jmt57]

Robert Kraft's comment:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of Al Davis’ death this morning. Al was an American Football League pioneer and a legendary hall of fame contributor to the National Football League. He was one of the first owners to welcome me into the NFL in 1994, which was a great thrill for me personally and an introduction that I will never forget. I always admired his passion for the game and enjoyed listening to his historical account of some of the game’s most memorable moments. He had a unique style and a certain aura about him that would be hard to ever replicate. When engaged in any discussion, he always spoke with great conviction and could be very persuasive.

“We shared a bond as two Massachusetts natives in the NFL, something that he pointed out to me in that initial introduction. I feel fortunate to have spent time with him just last Sunday before our game against the Raiders. Not knowing when I would see him again, I told him how much I appreciated all he had done for the game of football and thanked him for all that he had done for me. He informed me of the Raiders’ plans to honor my sweetheart with a moment of silence before our game, which was a touching and heartfelt gesture. Little did I know that just one week later, we would be doing the same in his honor. It’s very sad.

“On behalf of the entire Kraft family, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Davis family, the Oakland Raiders organization and all of the Raiders fans who are mourning his loss. His presence will be missed, but his legacy will live forever.”


I had no idea until today that Davis was originally from Brockton.

 

[IcyPatriot]

RIP Al Davis ... he was great for the NFL back in the day. I used to think his teams invented stickum lol. where would the AFL have been without Al Davis? But he was great when his mind was sharp - he will be missed.

 

[rojo8401]

Robert Kraft's comment:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of Al Davis’ death this morning. Al was an American Football League pioneer and a legendary hall of fame contributor to the National Football League. He was one of the first owners to welcome me into the NFL in 1994, which was a great thrill for me personally and an introduction that I will never forget. I always admired his passion for the game and enjoyed listening to his historical account of some of the game’s most memorable moments. He had a unique style and a certain aura about him that would be hard to ever replicate. When engaged in any discussion, he always spoke with great conviction and could be very persuasive.

“We shared a bond as two Massachusetts natives in the NFL, something that he pointed out to me in that initial introduction. I feel fortunate to have spent time with him just last Sunday before our game against the Raiders. Not knowing when I would see him again, I told him how much I appreciated all he had done for the game of football and thanked him for all that he had done for me. He informed me of the Raiders’ plans to honor my sweetheart with a moment of silence before our game, which was a touching and heartfelt gesture. Little did I know that just one week later, we would be doing the same in his honor. It’s very sad.

“On behalf of the entire Kraft family, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Davis family, the Oakland Raiders organization and all of the Raiders fans who are mourning his loss. His presence will be missed, but his legacy will live forever.”


I had no idea until today that Davis was originally from Brockton.

Yep. If you listened closely you could still hear that Massachusetts accent from time to time. Mine still comes out once in a while but I stopped calling liquor stores "packies" about 6 years ago and haven't looked back..

Shine on you you crazy diamond.

 

[NEPatriot]

Yep. If you listened closely you could still hear that Massachusetts accent from time to time. Mine still comes out once in a while but I stopped calling liquor stores "packies" about 6 years ago and haven't looked back..

Shine on you you crazy diamond.

I didn't know he was born in Mass either, as I always thought he was born in Brooklyn (Flatbush) where he grew up. It turns out he moved to NY with his family when he was 6.

 

[fnordcircle]

Did Davis ever say anything about Tatum's hit and subsequent treatment on Stingley?

 

[SmokeShowin]

Like him or not, he had a huge impact on the game over the years.

This is a big loss for the Raiders organization, their fans and Al's family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of them. Rest in Peace Al.