49er Colleagues Sad Over Loss Of Raiders' Davis

OAKLAND (KCBS) — As the sports world mourns the loss of legendary longtime Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis, some San Francisco 49er football insiders who knew the Hall of Famer well are also reacting with sadness and affection over his passing at the age of 82.

Whether you loved him or hated him Davis' impact on football was felt here in the Bay Area and across the nation. Carmen Policy used to be the general manager of the 49ers and actually grew quite close to Davis for a time.

"Al Davis is part of why the NFL is so great and why it dominates, if you will, in terms of the sports and entertainment passion of America. He was one of those characters and personalities in the NFL that was bigger than life," Policy said.

KCBS' Mark Seelig Reports:

Also from across the Bay, former 49ers head coach and current NFL Network commentator Steve Mariucci remembers Davis best for his high-octane brand of football.

"He was really hands on with the draft, with watching, practicing and evaluating the players, and even having input on schemes on both sides of the ball," Mariucci recalled.

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

Mariucci also remembered Davis' iron rule of the team both on and off the field.

Both colleagues said they knew Davis had health problems, but were surprised by his passing and said he will be sorely missed.

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