Raiders owner Al Davis dead at 82

[Scar]

From: ESPN.com

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, whose NFL legend began 60 years ago as an assistant with the Baltimore Colts and was punctuated with a 1992 Hall of Fame induction in Canton, has died at 82.

The team's website released the news Saturday morning, posting a simple tribute with his name in large silver letters above "July 4, 1929-October 8, 2011."

The Raiders said the team will issue a statement later Saturday. No cause of death was released.

"Based on personal achievement, team achievement and contributions to the game, no one has had a more profound and lasting impact on professional football," Davis' biography says on the team's website.

Reports surfaced in April that Davis had been hospitalized, but the team dismisssed them then as rumors, saying Davis was in good health and was preparing for the NFL draft.

[Ian]

Very sad. I think those who only remember him from his later life when he was viewed mostly as a cranky, semi-senile, meddling owner missed out on the real Al Davis.

I remember him from earlier on and he was truly a force in the NFL. Like him or not, his influence and personality will be missed around all of football.

RIP

[RAIDER]

Like him or loath him he was a genuine character of football as well as doing do much for the sport and selling game to outside of the USA .
Rest in Peace big Al ..What wouldnt i give to be at the Raiders next home game

[gueli]

It Is a sad passing. The man had a great amount to do with the NFL's success over the years.

I only hope that his surviving family will continue to be a force...