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BREAKING: Oakland Raiders' Owner Al Davis Dies



The Oakland Raiders' website saying today that long-time owner Al Davis has died.

Davis, who was born July 4, 1929, won three Super Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

The Raiders' owner began his term in 1960, when he was a coach with the Los Angeles Chargers. He became head coach and general manager in 1963.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell  released this statement on the death of Davis: "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. The respect he commanded was evident whose impact and legacy will forever be part of the NFL."

The family of Al Davis is expected to release a statement later Saturday.

Reports say Davis's son Mark will take over the operation of the team.

Bills owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. went back decades with Davis, as founding fathers of the AFL. On Saturday, Wilson released a statement regarding Davis' death:

“I am deeply saddened with the news of the passing of Al Davis. Al and I were very good friends for many years and I admired his innovative approach to the game of football.”

 

“Al had a great impact on the American Football League that carried over to the National Football League after the merger and his competitive spirit embodied our sport.”

 

“Al’s Raiders may not have won every game, but you knew that you were in for a tough, hard-fought contest every time you played them, regardless of the score.”

 

”I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Al’s family, friends, the Raiders organization and Raiders fans everywhere.”


10/08/2011 10:38AM
BREAKING: Oakland Raiders' Owner Al Davis Dies
Please enter your comments below.
10/08/2011 11:33AM
One thing this does mean...............
and not to minimize his death, but from a Buffalo perspective..... the Raiders are most likely headed to Los Angeles now. I don't see them staying in Oakland. I also don't see the Bills moving to Los Angeles either as a result. I never thought the Bills were moving there anyway, but a Raider move would make the Bills fans breathe easier.
10/08/2011 12:52PM
if only
ralph had a son that would take over operation team as well. not of his children want anything to do with the bills... it's sad
10/08/2011 2:00PM
Bills will be safe...
No worries. Jim Kelly & Co. will make sure they stay. It's already known that they have some investors. R.I.P. Al Davis.
10/08/2011 2:00PM
Bills will be safe...
No worries. Jim Kelly & Co. will make sure they stay. It's already known that they have some investors. RIP Al Davis.
10/08/2011 3:51PM
bills will be safe rely?
why because jim kelly and his investors, the team will go to the highest bidder, you rely think guys from l.a and toronto dont have more money then jim kelly and these investors, rogers is woth $8 billion and guys from l.a have billions as well. bills are no where near safe.
10/08/2011 6:12PM
Sad
Ralph will outl ive all, we still have a team & don't ever take that away from Mr. Wilson. Al, you are a pioneer and all do respects and condeolences to you, RIP - JK S- Buffalo!
10/08/2011 6:16PM
re: bills will be safe rely?
Well learn how to spell REALLY before posting again and Rogers died 2 years ago. No one knows what will happen to the Bills one way or the other until a new owner is announced. All I know as that Ralph is a smart man and it's hard to believe thathe does not have a plan for the Bills after his passing.
10/09/2011 5:02AM
Ralph will keep Bills in Buffalo
It doesn't matter if someone has 8 billion or 50 billion you just need someone with enough money to outbid the highest bidder. Tom Galisano will come to the rescue if need be. Maybe even Trump or Buffet.
10/09/2011 5:53AM
So sad...
Thiz iz rely said, sew, sew rely said! I rely thingk dat da Billz wil st-a inn Buffalu cuz im smurt end no thiz stugh. Allso, pleez lett mi no ef i spelt n-e wordz rong... tanks. -Buffalu's #1 phan. (Morons! If this post annoyed you in any way, shape or form then please tell your friends to get an education before posting on here. Our city is already thought of as an armpit of the US, proving it is really not necessary.)
10/09/2011 8:05AM
Eagles
Sad to hear about Al Eagles are gonna kill the bills this week!
10/09/2011 11:16PM
Eagles?
How bout them eagles? ;-)
10/10/2011 8:29AM
This article isn't about Ralph
Morons!
10/10/2011 2:10PM
You live under a rock?
If you don't get a new lease out of the Bills and your republican Erie county reps,who don't really want one.you're precious Bills will be gone within two years.
10/11/2011 10:05AM
Re: You live under a rock?
I guess you saved on car insurance by switching to Geico.
10/11/2011 1:58PM
Al was crazy but
had a real vision for the game. The NFL is worse off without him. RIP baby.
10/11/2011 2:01PM
Bills will be safe?
Jim Kelly will save the day? Really? Did he win powerball or something? Come on man. The Bills leave once Ralph leaves so you better just enjoy this year genius. BTW - stop watching those movies with Hollywood endings...they're obviously warping your sense of reality...
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