Discover Al Davis net worth and how he transformed the NFL. Explore his career, major achievements, and lasting legacy.
Al Davis was an American football coach and executive best known for his leadership of the Oakland Raiders. At the time of his death in 2011, Al Davis’s net worth was estimated at $500 million. He played a major role in shaping the NFL, leading the Raiders to multiple Super Bowl victories and pioneering civil rights efforts in the league.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Allen Davis |
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Brockton, Massachusetts, USA |
| Date of Death | October 8, 2011 |
| Cause of Death | Congestive Heart Failure |
| Net Worth at Death | $500 million |
| Primary Role | Owner & General Manager of Oakland Raiders |
| Super Bowl Wins | 3 (1976, 1980, 1983) |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 1992 |
Early Life and Education
- Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, to Jewish parents Louis and Rose Davis.
- Family moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1934 after his father found success in garment manufacturing.
- Attended Erasmus Hall High School and graduated in 1947.
- College Journey:
- Started at Wittenberg College in Ohio.
- Transferred to Syracuse University, but later moved to Hartwick College.
- Returned to Syracuse University, where he completed his studies.
Al Davis Net Worth: Career Beginnings
- Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952.
- Became the football coach at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, leading the team to an 8-2-1 record.
- After leaving the Army in 1954, he worked as a freelance scout for the Baltimore Colts.
- Joined The Citadel Bulldogs as an assistant coach.
- In 1957, became assistant coach for the USC Trojans.
- Joined the Los Angeles Chargers in 1960 as a backfield coach and stayed with them when they moved to San Diego.
Rise with the Oakland Raiders
Head Coach (1963-1965)
- Signed a 3-year contract as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 1963.
- Used military-style discipline to motivate players.
- Led the Raiders to a 10-4 record in 1963 and won AFL Coach of the Year.
Ownership and Management
- Became part-owner of the Raiders in 1966.
- Took over as General Manager and Principal Owner in 1972.
- Under his leadership, the Raiders became one of the NFL’s most successful franchises.
Achievements with the Raiders
| Year | Milestone |
| 1967 | Raiders won the AFL Championship and played in Super Bowl II. |
| 1976 | Raiders won Super Bowl XI, defeating the Vikings. |
| 1980 | Raiders won Super Bowl XV, becoming the first Wild Card team to win. |
| 1983 | Raiders won Super Bowl XVIII, defeating Washington. |
| 2020 | The team moved to Las Vegas, increasing its value to $6 billion. |
Civil Rights and Diversity Contributions
- Refused to let the Raiders play in cities that enforced racial segregation.
- Became the first owner in modern NFL history to hire a Black head coach (Art Shell).
- Appointed Amy Trask as the first female CEO in NFL history.
- Hired Tom Flores, the second Latino head coach in the NFL, who won two Super Bowls with the Raiders.
Legal Battles with the NFL
Al Davis was known for his many legal fights with the NFL. Some of the major ones include:
- Sued the NFL multiple times over antitrust issues.
- Relocated the Raiders to Los Angeles in 1982 after winning a lawsuit against the NFL.
- Fought legal battles to keep the Raiders’ branding rights.
- His long-standing feud with the NFL was documented in ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.
Personal Life and Death
- Married Carol Sagal in Brooklyn after serving in the military.
- Had one son, Mark Davis, born in 1955.
- Passed away at age 82 due to congestive heart failure.
- The day after his death, the Raiders won against the Houston Texans in a dramatic finish.
Al Davis Net Worth: Legacy
| Aspect | Impact |
| Net Worth | $500 million at the time of his death. |
| Raiders’ Value in 2011 | $750 million. |
| Raiders’ Value in 2024 | Over $6 billion. |
| Current Ownership | His wife Carol and son Mark Davis control 47% of the Raiders. |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted in 1992. |
Lasting Influence
- The Al Davis Memorial Torch was created in his honor.
- His leadership style influenced future NFL owners and general managers.
- His son, Mark Davis, continues to run the Raiders with the same vision.
Final Thoughts
Al Davis was more than just a football owner; he was a visionary who helped shape the NFL’s success. His impact is still felt today, both in terms of the financial success of the Raiders and his contributions to civil rights in sports. His legacy continues through his family, the Raiders organization, and the many lives he influenced in the game of football.
Just like Al Davis changed the NFL, Diego Simeone has changed football (soccer) with his smart strategies and hard work. He turned Atlético Madrid into a top team and became one of the richest managers in the world.
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