Al Davis Legacy: Life of Oakland Raiders Owner in Pictures

Over the past few years, Al Davis has become somewhat of a punchline. You would see every draft pick that Oakland made followed up with countless tweets and forum postings about how he had lost his mind and he needed to relinquish control of the franchise to more "competent football minds." But Al always stuck to his guns and he did it until the end, which sadly happened today on the eighth of October, 2011.

What I am hoping that his passing does is eliminate the jokes and the witty comments about Al Davis and that people look back at him for what he was: a true National Football League icon and legend.

With that said, we here at Bleacher Report want to take a look back, through pictures, at a true pioneer of the game, who taught us to "Just Win Baby."

1963

As the head coach of the AFL's Oakland Raiders in 1963.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1963

Davis was also the general manager of the team in that same year.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1966

At the press conference where Davis is named the commissioner of the AFL in 1966.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1975

Talking with George Blanda in the weight room in early 1975.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1977

Seen with John Madden and a Lombardi trophy in 1977 after their victory over the Vikings.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1981

The closing moments of the Raiders victory in Super Bowl XV over the Eagles in 1981.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1981

Seen holding up another Lombardi trophy after the Raiders victory in Super Bowl XV in 1981.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1982

At the Oakland Coliseum in 1982 before a playoff victory.

1984

With Tom Flores, accepting yet another Lombardi trophy for the Raiders Super Bowl XVIII win.

1985

Talking to the press during one of his numerous legal battles with the league and commissioner in 1985.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1985

Declining to speak with a sideline reporter in the 1985 playoffs.

1986

Davis watching a Raiders scrimmage during 1986 training camp.

1987

Addressing the media about the differences between himself and Marcus Allen in 1987.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1989

Taking in practice before the opener of the 1989 season.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1992

Davis' induction into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1992.

Photo Courtesy of US Presswire

1995

The press conference announcing the Raiders' intent to move back to Oakland in 1995.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1998

Greeting Raiders fans during a game in the 1998 season.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

2010

Taking in some regular season action from the sidelines in 2010.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

2011

Davis at the press conference naming Hue Jackson the newest head coach of the Raiders in 2011.

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press

1929?

No one can be certain if this is a real baby picture of Al or not, but it wouldn't be too hard to believe.

Today

Davis leaves behind an iconic legacy that won't be duplicated any time soon. Rest in peace, Al. Try not to knock heads with the big guy upstairs too much.

Photo Courtesy of Raiders.com