As a coach first and then as the managing general partner, Al Davis turned the Oakland Raiders into one of the most successful franchises in professional football. Building on an unwavering philosophy that stressed a strong-armed quarterback, a powerful offensive line and a man-to-man defense, Davis’s teams played in five Super Bowls and, in an eight-year period beginning in 1976, won three of them. In Davis’s first 40 years with the franchise, the team suffered only seven losing seasons, won 12 division championships and played in 12 conference championship games. For many years, his teams were known for a physical, almost intimidating style of play. Davis also was renown for hiring the first African-American coach in the modern NFL and hiring a female as his team’s chief executive. Davis was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

Inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Plaque location: SFO Gate 81