The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team that plays in the National Football League (NFL). The team was founded in 1960 and has had several successful seasons throughout its history.
Background on the Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders were founded by Art Modell in 1960 as part of the American Football League (AFL). The team initially played at the Coliseum in Oakland, California. After several years of success, the AFL merged with the NFL in 1972, and the Raiders became a member of the new league.
Al Davis Buys the Raiders
In 1974, Al Davis purchased the Oakland Raiders from Art Modell for an undisclosed sum of money. At the time, the NFL was experiencing a period of expansion and the Raiders were considered to be one of the most successful teams in the league. Davis saw the potential in the team and believed that he could take it to even greater heights with his leadership and vision.
The Price Al Davis Paid for the Raiders
Although the exact amount that Al Davis paid for the Oakland Raiders is not publicly known, there are estimates that suggest that he paid between $7 million and $10 million for the team. This was a significant sum of money at the time, particularly considering that the average salary for an NFL player in 1974 was around $25,000 per year.
Al Davis’ Impact on the Oakland Raiders
After purchasing the Raiders, Al Davis quickly set to work rebuilding and transforming the team into a championship contender. He hired a new coaching staff and made several key player signings, including quarterback Ken Stabler and linebacker Jack Tatum. Under Davis’ leadership, the Raiders won their first Super Bowl in 1980 and would go on to win four more championships throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Summary
In conclusion, Al Davis purchased the Oakland Raiders for an estimated sum of between $7 million and $10 million in 1974. This was a significant investment at the time, but it paid off handsomely as the team went on to win several championships under Davis’ leadership. Today, the Raiders are one of the most valuable and successful franchises in the NFL, and Al Davis is remembered as one of the greatest owners in the history of the league.
