Reaction From Around NFL To Al Davis' Death
OAKLAND (CBS Sports) -- Reaction from around the NFL to Saturday's death of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis at the age of 82:
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll offered the following condolences via Twitter Saturday morning; "The football world has lost an icon and visionary in Al Davis, a man who revolutionized the game. Condolences to his family and friends."
Saints Coach Sean Payton on the death of Raiders owner Al Davis: "Mr. Davis was a pioneer in our league and a visionary in its development. His contributions still remain a major part of our game today. Even though I never coached for him, I did have the honor of spending time with him on a number of occasions talking football. I think we should all consider ourselves thankful to him for the impact he has had on the game. He was uniquely passionate about Raider football and he will be missed. Our condolences go out to him and his family."
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Texans owner Bob McNair on the death of Raiders owner Al Davis: "Al Davis was a pioneer in the American Football League and the National Football League. He was a dynamic force in merging the National Football League and American Football League. He built a great tradition with the Raiders. We are going to miss his innovative thinking. Our condolences go out to his family and the Raiders organization."
Bengals owner Mike Brown on the passing of Al Davis: "Al was a fiery individualist, an important part of pro football -- the AFL and NFL -- for almost 50 years. Personally, I was fond of him. He battled with the NFL, and a lot of us wished that had not been where things went, but under all that was a person I respected. It saddens me to hear that he is gone."
Bengals LB Thomas Howard, who played for the Raiders for five years, on Al Davis, who drafted Howard in second round of the 2006 draft: "He was an icon, a legend, a pioneer. I'm honored that he chose to draft me. You don't know what it means to be a Raider until you are a Raider, and that was his team."
The New England Patriots posted the following message via their official Twitter feed following the death of Al Davis: "Our sincere condolences go out to the Davis family and the entire @Raiders family today."
Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver on the passing of Al Davis, via Twitter: "Al Davis was truly a pioneer of the football world who made tremendous contributions to the league. ...We offer our condolences to the Davis family."
Former Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski, now a Cincinnati Bengal, tweeting on the death of Al Davis: "My prayers go out to the Davis family and #raidernation. A big loss for the football world. Mr. Davis was 1 of a kind."
Raiders DE Lamarr Houston, tweeting from Houston on the death of team owner Al Davis: "RIP al davis … he helped change the game."
Former Raiders QB Rich Gannon, via Twitter, on the death of Al Davis: "NFL has lost a great one, a real legend! He gave me a chance and he did it all: coach, commissioner, scout and owner! No one better! He loved his team."
Statement from Saints Owner Tom Benson on the passing of Al Davis: "Al Davis was one of the most innovative and dynamic pioneers in the history of the National Football League. He was passionate about his team and about the game of professional football and he personified the legacy of the Raiders. We share with his family and friends our heartfelt sympathy on the news of his passing."
NFL commissoner Roger Goodell: "Al Davis's passion for football and his influence on the game were extraordinary. He defined the Raiders and contributed to pro football at every level. The respect he commanded was evident in the way that people listened carefully every time he spoke. He is a true legend of the game whose impact and legacy will forever be part of the NFL."
Colts owner Jim Irsay, commenting on the death of Raiders owner Al Davis via Twitter: "Al Davis was a wild card maverick,the NFL Brando!His litigious ways against his partners did tarnish,but his visionary ways still shine/RIP."
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