Ep 10. Al Davis
A Football Life is a documentary series that explores the lives of the most legendary players, coaches, and executives in the history of the National Football League. In season 1, episode 10, viewers are introduced to Al Davis, one of the most influential figures in the history of the NFL.
Al Davis was a man who was synonymous with the Oakland Raiders, a team he owned and operated for nearly half a century. Throughout his tenure with the organization, Davis was known for being one of the most passionate and outspoken figures in the league, often ruffling feathers and bucking conventional wisdom in his pursuit of success.
The episode begins by exploring Davis' early years, highlighting his days as a student-athlete at Syracuse University where he played football and studied the game under the tutelage of legendary coach, Ben Schwartzwalder. Davis' passion for the game was evident even in his youth, and it was clear that football would become his life's work.
After graduating from Syracuse, Davis worked his way up the coaching ranks, working as an assistant coach for various teams before landing a job with the Oakland Raiders in 1963. It was here that Davis truly made his mark on the league, transforming the struggling franchise into a powerhouse during his time as head coach and general manager.
As the episode progresses, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at some of the key moments that defined Davis' career. From his decision to trade for quarterback Ken Stabler in 1970, to his hiring of John Madden as head coach in 1969, each move was calculated and designed to propel the Raiders to greatness.
In addition to his astute personnel decisions, Davis was also known for his outspoken nature and willingness to challenge the status quo. Whether it was his strong stance against the AFL-NFL merger in the 1960s or his decision to take legal action against the league regarding relocation fees, Davis was never one to back down from a fight.
Of course, no discussion of Al Davis would be complete without mentioning his signature phrase: "Just win, baby!" This motto, which became synonymous with the Raiders and their passionate fan base, spoke to Davis' relentless pursuit of success and his refusal to settle for anything less.
As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left with a sense of awe and admiration for the man who helped shape the NFL into the juggernaut it is today. Davis was a true trailblazer, taking risks and making bold moves that forever changed the way the game was played and perceived.
For fans of the Raiders or the NFL in general, A Football Life season 1 episode 10 is an absolute must-watch. While Al Davis may have passed away in 2011, his impact on the league will be felt for generations to come.
