HONORING JEWS IN SPORTS

CLASS OF 2025 UNVEILED

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Sport: Football
Inducted: 2014
Country: USA
Born: July 4, 1929
Died: October 8, 2011

DESCRIPTION:

Trailblazer, maverick, renegade–Al Davis was one of the most important, controversial and effective figures in American professional football history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

Davis, whose work ethic is famously reflected in his motto: "Just Win Baby", was the principal owner of the National Football League's Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders from 1972 until is death in 2011. He coached the Raiders to Super Bowl victories in 1976, 1980 and 1983; the American Football League championship in 1967, and American Football Conference titles in 1967, 1976, 1980, 1983, and 2002.

Following college graduation, Davis spent much of the 1950s assistant coaching football at Adelphi College, The Citadel, and the University of Southern California. His first pro football experience came as offensive end coach of the AFL's Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers 1960–1962.

In 1963, he was appointed the Chargers' head coach and general manager, the youngest person in pro football history to hold the positions, and was named the AFL's Coach of the Year.

In April 1966, team owners named Davis AFL Commissioner, whereupon he embarked on an aggressive player signing campaign against the NFL. The campaign would eventually lead to the first Super Bowl (January 1967) and a merger of the two Leagues in 1970.

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