Longtime Oakland Raiders Owner Al Davis died in his home Saturday morning at the age of 82 according to a Raiders spokesperson.
The enigmatic coach turned owner grew the California team from scrappy beginnings into a three time Superbowl winning franchise. However controversial Davis was portrayed by onlookers, those who knew him best name him as one of the most innovative coaches in NFL history.
Raiders defensive back George Atkinson remembered Davis from his days on the field, saying: "He was an innovator. Look at his rise in the world of football. That alone will tell you how entrenched he was in the sport. He did everything in football from the bottom all the way to the top."
Over the years Davis' health declined right along with the team's reputation. There was vague mentioning of his "leg injury," which led him to use a walker. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and son, Mark. Davis said in interviews that his wife and son will inherit the team.
