AMHERST, N.Y. -- The death on Saturday of Oakland Raiders Owner and NFL visionary Al Davis sent shockwaves throughout the league, including the Eagles. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha played eight years with the Raiders after Davis made him a first-round draft pick in 2003 and he remembers Davis fondly.
"His name would be the first that you hear; he has done so much for the game and obviously given so many people opportunities that before him those opportunities weren't there," said Asomugha as he arrived at the team's hotel on Saturday. "Obviously I'm one of those people, he took a chance on me and not too many other people were doing it. Throughout my career he was a great advisor and a great coach for me and a great owner, so it's tough."
Mr. Davis, who passed away at the age of 82, was sometimes seen in a negative light in circles in recent years as his health faded and the Raiders struggled on the field.
Asomugha never saw Mr. Davis in that light.
"I never saw him in that negative light," said Asomugha. "I think from the outside you can take whatever you want, but until you know a guy and meet a guy I have nothing but respect for him."
