Al Davis: A Brief Stint as AFL Commissioner

Name: Al Davis: A Brief Stint as AFL Commissioner
Start: 1930-04-08
Location: Unspecified

The Historic Appointment of Al Davis

In a significant moment of sports history, the American Football League (AFL) voted to appoint Al Davis as commissioner in 1966 following the resignation of Joe Foss. At just 36 years old, Al Davis was one of the youngest commissioners in professional sports history. This pivotal decision came at a time when the AFL was seeking to establish its legitimacy and competitiveness against the more established National Football League (NFL).

Davis had already made a name for himself in the football community, serving as the head coach and general manager of the Oakland Raiders. His appointment as commissioner was welcomed by many, who saw in him a progressive vision for the league, capable of enhancing its reputation and increasing its popularity.

Al Davis as a Visionary Leader

During his brief tenure, Al Davis sought to innovate the league by advocating for more exposure and modern business practices. His vision included the implementation of television contracts that would boost the AFL's visibility, a critical move that laid the groundwork for its future success. Davis was a staunch proponent of the game, looking to elevate the league on a national scale.

Challenges Faced by Davis

However, Davis's time as commissioner was not without challenges. The 1966 AFL was still struggling with financial stability and competing for fans’ attention against the NFL, which had a stronghold on American football audiences. The internal politics of the AFL required skillful navigation, and Davis faced opposition from other league executives who had differing visions for the league’s future.

The AFL-NFL Merger: A Turning Point

Tragically, Al Davis's commissioner tenure was short-lived, lasting only three months. In June 1966, the AFL and the NFL agreed to merge, bringing an end to Davis's role as commissioner as the two leagues sought to consolidate operations. This merger not only reshaped the landscape of professional football but also set the stage for the future growth of the sport.

The Impact of the Merger on Professional Football

The merger that took place in June created the foundation for what would eventually become the Super Bowl, uniting fans under one banner of professional football. Though Al Davis's time as commissioner was brief, his vision and approach would influence the future direction of the league.

Al Davis's Legacy

After stepping down as commissioner, Davis returned to the Raiders, ultimately leading them to success in the decades that followed. His leadership, innovations, and tenacity had lasting repercussions not just for the Raiders, but for the sport as a whole.

Fun Fact

Al Davis’s Interesting Fact

Despite serving as AFL commissioner for only three months, Al Davis was known for his famous quote: "Just win, baby!" This mantra would become synonymous with the Raiders and highlighted his relentless drive for success.