Thought he would live forever that guy...Just heard about the news..
D-a-y-u-m! As much as he'd lost the plot recently and I've said the Raiders wouldn't do anything until he was out the loop still wasn't expecting it...... I too thought he'd go on forever. I guess the history books will be kind - It was before my time, but wasn't he instrumental in the AFL - NFL merger? Cheers, Ian
Held season tickets on the 46 yard line (visitor's side within earshot ) for 8 years, here in LA. Some great RAIDERS memories... RIP Al.
He was a great visionary, an eccentric for sure, he saw where this game was going before almost anyone else. My only chuckle today was when they said he had 'an uncanny eye for talent', made me thing about Ja'Marcus Russell and all the other busts Oakland brought in.
No, Jamarcus didn't help his legacy. I saw him on a YAHOO top 5 list of broke athletes yesterday. Dude blew through 32MM in no time at all.... He did break the color barrier by hiring Art Shell though. Also saw coaching prowess in both Shanahan and Gruden.
Yes, he was the commish of the AFL when the merger took place. There is no question he was a visionary, he built it from the ground-up, unlike almost all owners today, who built with a checkbook.
Yes, those were some "fun" days, for certain. There was more action in the stands than the field most games though. I still haven't been to a game since I moved up here (late last year). Having kids makes you think about it a little more.
