Remembering Oakland Raiders Defensive End Ben Davidson: 1940-2012

Oakland Raiders legend Ben Davidson epitomized the commitment to excellence. He was one of the great Raiders, and he died Monday at the age of 72.

Jim Plunkett on Davidson:

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I got to know what a lovable, fun-loving guy he was. He was a terrific human being. Down to earth, solid as a rock. He'll be sorely missed. He was part of that culture making group of guys for the Raiders. He's one of the guys that epitomizes the Raiders of the '60s and '70s. (via Steve Corkran, San Jose Mercury News)

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Tom Flores on Davidson:

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He was a tough, gutsy ballplayer, team oriented with enough meanness in him to be feared and enough talent to be effective" (via Josh Dubow, Associated Press)

He was just a big, tall, skinny guy that Davis took a chance with," Flores said. "He was able to rush the passer and worked hard to get bigger and stronger, with the character and personality. He was always that way.  (via Josh Dubow, Associated Press)

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Mark Davis on Davidson:

"He was a larger-than-life figure and a wonderful human being." (via Paul Gutierrez, CSNBayArea.com)

The Los Angeles Times interviewed Davdson about his life as a football player and TV pitchman back in 2010.