Ep 9. Al Davis
- November 11, 2011
Al Davis is the ninth episode of the first season of the NFL Network documentary series A Football Life. The episode delves into the life and career of Al Davis, one of the most controversial and influential figures in the history of professional football.
Davis' story begins in Brooklyn, where he grew up as the son of a prominent Jewish family. Despite his privileged upbringing, Davis was drawn to football from an early age and played the game in high school and college. After serving in the military during World War II, he began his coaching career at Adelphi University before joining the staff of the Baltimore Colts in 1954.
From there, Davis worked his way up through the ranks of the NFL, serving as an assistant coach for several teams, including the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders. In 1963, he was named the head coach and general manager of the Raiders, and it was in that capacity that he made his mark on the sport.
Under Davis' leadership, the Raiders became one of the most successful teams in the NFL, winning three Super Bowls and consistently fielding competitive teams throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Davis was known for his innovative strategies, including his emphasis on speed and his willingness to take risks on players who had been overlooked by other teams.
But Davis was also a controversial figure, known for his confrontational style and his willingness to challenge the authority of the NFL and its commissioner. He was involved in several high-profile disputes with the league, including a lawsuit over the right to move the Raiders from Oakland to Los Angeles in the early 1980s.
Despite his controversies, Davis remained a revered figure among Raiders fans and throughout the NFL. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992 and remained involved with the Raiders until his death in 2011.
The episode features interviews with a number of people who knew Davis, including former players, fellow coaches, and members of the media. They offer insights into his personality and his impact on the sport, painting a portrait of a complex and often misunderstood figure.
Overall, Al Davis is a fascinating look at one of the most important figures in the history of professional football. Whether you're a Raiders fan or simply a fan of the sport, this episode is sure to entertain and enlighten.
