Early Life and Education of Al Davis: A Complete Timeline

Updated: May 14, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Al Davis. A timeline of key moments.

Al Davis was a prominent figure in American professional football, most notably with the Oakland Raiders. He served as the Raiders' head coach (1963-1965) and later became the managing general partner, principal owner, and de facto general manager from 1972 until his death in 2011. He was part owner from 1966 to 1971. Before his time with the Raiders, Davis also briefly served as commissioner of the American Football League (AFL) in 1966. He was known for his aggressive, win-at-all-costs mentality and his commitment to player rights and diversity.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

July 4, 1929: Allen R. Davis Born

On July 4, 1929, Allen R. Davis was born. He would later become a prominent figure in professional football as an executive and coach.

Others born on this day/year

1934: Move to Brooklyn

In 1934, Louis Davis moved his family, including young Allen, to Brooklyn, New York, where he found success in the garment trade.

January 1947: Enrolled at Wittenberg College

In January 1947, at the age of 17, Al Davis graduated high school and immediately enrolled at Wittenberg College in Springfield, Ohio.

1948: Briefly Transferred to Hartwick College

In 1948, Al Davis briefly transferred to Hartwick College in New York before returning to Syracuse University.

1952: Inducted into the US Army

In 1952, after receiving his master's degree and his student deferral ending, Al Davis was inducted into the United States Army.

1954: Discharge from the Army

In 1954, Al Davis was discharged from the Army, having served at Fort Belvoir.

1962: Signed Lance Alworth

In 1962, Al Davis signed Lance Alworth to a contract under the goalpost at the conclusion of Alworth's final college game.

1963: Refusal to Play in Segregated Alabama

In 1963, Al Davis, as coach of the Raiders, refused to allow the team to play a preseason game in Mobile, Alabama, due to the state's segregation laws. He demanded the game be moved to Oakland. He also refused to allow players to travel to cities where black and white players would have to stay in separate hotels.

1978: Introduced Alworth at Hall of Fame

In 1978, Al Davis was selected by Lance Alworth to introduce him at his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

1979: Carol Davis' Heart Attack

In 1979, Carol Davis, Al Davis' wife, suffered a serious heart attack and was hospitalized for three weeks, but she made a complete recovery.

1996: Heart Surgery

In 1996, Al Davis underwent heart surgery.

2001: Death of Rose Davis

In 2001, Al Davis' mother, Rose, passed away at the age of 103. She had outlived her husband, Lou, by 40 years.

October 8, 2011: Allen R. Davis Death

On October 8, 2011, Allen R. Davis passed away. He was the managing general partner, principal owner, and de facto general manager of the Oakland Raiders for 39 years.