The only logical conclusion one can take from it is that Al Davis has died.
A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, inducted on August 1, 1992, the iconic owner of pro football's Oakland Raiders began as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Chargers in 1960. He later became the head coach and general manager of The Oakland Raiders in 1963 at the age of 33. From day one Davis vowed to build the finest organization in sports, and he did. After three failing seasons before Davis stepped on the scene, in his first season he led the Raiders to a 10-4 record, a nine game turn around that still stands as one of sport's greatest achievements, and he won the Coach of the Year Award for his accomplishment. After taking a failing franchise and making it rise through the ranks of the AFL, in April 1966, he became Commissioner of the American Football League before becoming the principal owner and chief executive officer of the Raiders.
As commissioner, it was Davis that led the way for the AFL mount its historic merger with the NFL. Then, once in the NFL, Davis worked to changed the game for the better there, as well, playing a vital role in the development of the game as a participant on the prestigious NFL Competition Committee and the NFL Owners Executive Committee.
What Davis built in Oakland is the standard in sports, a team with the best record in sports, and an organization built on standards of winning and excellence. What he became in professional football is one of the driving forces that made the game what it is today.
In 1991, Al Davis received the NFL Players Association's Retired Players Award of Excellence "for his contributions to the men who played the game."
He will be missed by some, perhaps not by others. One thing is for sure, he will be missed. But, the Raiders will continue with that standard of excellence, and his passing will lead the Raiders into a new era of excellence.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Davis, Rest in Peace. The game, thanks to you, is better because of your involvement.
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