Al Davis was a legendary NFL football executive who purchased the Oakland Raiders in 1966. During his tenure with the team, Davis made numerous contributions to the success of the franchise, including leading the Raiders to multiple Super Bowl victories and building a storied legacy that continues to inspire and influence the sport today.
Purchase of the Oakland Raiders
In 1966, Al Davis purchased the Oakland Raiders from their previous owners, the Rockingham County Football Club. The sale was completed for $4 million. At the time, this was a significant amount of money, as the average salary in the NFL was only around $5,000 per year.
However, it’s important to note that the purchase price of the Raiders represented only a small fraction of their total value at the time. The franchise was already well-established and had a strong fan base, which made it a valuable asset in the league. Additionally, the Raiders had a talented roster of players, including several future Hall of Famers, which helped to drive revenue for the team and increase its value over time.
Building a Dynasty with the Oakland Raiders
Al Davis quickly set about building a winning dynasty with the Oakland Raiders. He began by assembling a talented coaching staff, including the legendary Bill Walsh and John Madden, both of whom went on to become Hall of Fame coaches in their own right.
Davis also invested heavily in acquiring top-notch talent for the team through free agency, trades, and the draft. This included signing key players such as Kenny Stabler, Fred Biles, and Dave Casper, all of whom helped to lead the Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory in 1970.
Over the next several decades, Al Davis continued to build a winning team around him. The Raiders won five more Super Bowl titles during his tenure as owner, including back-to-back victories in 1976 and 1977. The team also became known for its hard-hitting style of play, with players like Jack Tatum and Tonya Harding earning a reputation as some of the toughest in the league.
Summary
In conclusion, Al Davis paid $4 million to purchase the Oakland Raiders in 1966, which was a significant amount of money at the time. However, it’s important to remember that the franchise was already well-established and had a strong fan base, which made it a valuable asset in the league.
Over the next several decades, Al Davis built a winning dynasty with the Oakland Raiders through his investments in talent, coaching staff, and marketing efforts. The team won five Super Bowl titles during his tenure as owner, and their success continues to inspire and influence the sport today.
