Al Davis: Raiders Owner Turned John Madden into a Super Star

October 9, 2011   ·   James Van Etten   ·   Jump to comments

The Biggest Loser scale could not withstand the enormity of the collective NFL heart today as we digest the passing of icon Al Davis. Many will grieve in their own Silver and Black way today, but the heaviest heart should be that of former Raiders head coach John Madden.
The importance of Al Davis on John Madden’s career is not lost on the gregarious former coach and longtime friend:
Al Davis has been the biggest influence in my professional football life. I mean, he was a guy that gave me an opportunity, one, to get into professional football in 1967 as an assistant coach, and then at the age of 32, giving me the opportunity to be the head coach. That was something that was very special. I mean, there weren't a lot of people that thought John Madden, the linebacker coach, is going to be the head coach of the Raiders. Al believed in me, then gave me the opportunity. During the time, the 10 years I was head coach, he gave me everything. I was never turned down for one th...

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