I've been a Raider fan for my entire life- 33 years. I've always seen Coach Davis as a true Godfater. I say Godfather for exactly as the word is meant- behaving as a father for those he was not even related to. Many people don't know the things Coach Davis has done to help others both on and off the field. He was the only owner to bend over backwards for his players. I've never encountered an owner, in any profession, that always acted in the best interest of his employees. This was especially important after his players retired- the time when they're most vulnerable. He even helped out with medical treatment for non-Raider employees.
He was also the pioneer in minority hiring- years before the NFL mandated the 'Rooney' rule. He recruited the first black quarterback at USC, Willie Wood. He also hired the first Latino coach in the NFL, Tom Flores (who was also a QB for the Raiders) and the first Black coach in the NFL, Art Shell. Coach Davis also hired the first woman in the front office of an NFL team, Amy Trask, who is still there doing a great job.
Coach Davis was also unafraid of youth. He was never afraid to take a chance and give young people their first opportunity to coach an NFL team. The names include the great John Madden, Art Shell, and John Gruden.
Outside of the immortal George Halas, no other person has had more influence on the game of football than Coach Davis. Just look at the names of football greats who were either coached, managed or influenced by Coach Davis: John Otto; Jack Tatum; Art Shell; Willie Brown; Michael Lombardi; John Madden; Bruce Allen; Marcus Allen; John Matuszak; Ray Guy; Ken Stabler; Bo Jackson; Cliff Branch; Jerry Jones; George Atkinson; Tim Brown; Lance Alworth; Darryle Lamonica; Lyle Alzado; Lester Hayes; Jim Plunkett; Mike Haynes; Howie Long; Ted Hendricks; Dokie Williams; Todd Christensen; Gene Upshaw; and Fred Biletnikoff.
Sure, Coach Davis was not perfect- but then again, who the heck is!? He did far more good than he has done harm. Maybe its me, but I honestly see him as the actual eye-patched Raider on the logo. He lived in true Raider style. This lifestyle is represented by his three famous quotes:
"Pride and Poise; Commitment to Excellence; and Just Win Baby!" - A. Davis
May he rest is Raider glory.
