Al Davis NFL icon, Raiders owner dies at 82

Al Davis NFL icon, Raiders owner  dies at 82

Al Davis, maverick owner of the Oakland/Los Angles Raiders whose iconoclastic reign over the Raiders led to three Super Bowl titles and made the silver-and-black franchise a symbol of renegade toughness, died this past Saturday at age 82.

Davis was known as brilliant, enigmatic and unapologetically independent turning the Raiders into one of the most successful franchises in pro football in the 1960s and '70s.Davis was a keen judge of talent, and was willing to accept other team's castoffs and troublemakers and he was able to get the best out of them.

Davis one of the NFL's most enigmatic personalities feuded with NFL commissioners, coaches, and cities on his way to three Super Bowl titles. Those who grew close to him often referred to him as 'Coach Davis' a tribute to his stint as head coach in the early years of the franchise and to his wealth of football expertise.

A Raiders spokesperson said Davis died at his home, which in his final years was a hotel near the Oakland airport , cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

The NFL will feature a moment of silence for Davis at every game this weekend. The Raiders posted a stirring, 90-second tribute video on their website and issued the following statement :

"Al Davis was unique - a maverick, a giant among giants, a true legend. ... He was an innovator, a pioneer with a deep love ... for the game of football. His contributions to the game are innumerable and his legacy will endure. ... Al Davis was a champion of diversity who maintained the courage of his convictions. His passion for the game we all love is best exemplified by his famous phrase, 'COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.' "