The sporting world lost a true icon over the weekend.

American football team Oakland Raiders‘ longtime enigmatic owner Al Davis, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning.

In all likelihood, not many people would’ve battered an eyelid. But make no mistake; Davis was not only the most influential figure in the NFL’s past half-decade, but was someone who revolutionised the world of professional sports.

As the owner and president of the Raiders, he is in a league of his own.

The late octogenarian was a trailblazer who led the way for the likes of George Steinbrenner, Mark Cuban, Jerry Jones or Roman Abramovich.

Davis’s love affair with the Raiders began in 1963 when he was named Head Coach, tasked with the unenviable task of turning around what was a historically bad side. That was the beginning of the metamorphosis for the Raiders. Davis spawned the Raiders’ now iconic silver and black apparel and pirate emblem, and the swashbuckling, menacing reputation that came with it. Davis had no intention of being liked; instead he set about making people to fear the Raiders.

Three years later, Davis had turned the entire franchise around. Such was his success that he was chosen to serve as commissioner for the American Football League.

In his time as commissioner, Davis was the driving force behind the AFL-NFL merger; a move that changed the entire landscape of the sport.

The AFL – with Davis at the helm – was a rival league that lured a selection of high-profile players with huge contracts, leaving NFL owners fearing a bidding war with the potential to ruin their league. This apocalyptic scenario led to the merger, which brought the Raiders – plus the Patriots, Jets,Chargers and others – into the NFL, paving the way for the Super Bowl era of today.

Yet, don’t get fooled into thinking that Davis was beloved.

In the latter stages of Davis’ illustrious life, he would saunter the sidelines and corporate offices across the league, with his customary satin jacket and blunt tone.

He was openly hostile to people who he thought were trying to undermine him or his side, and probably didn’t understand what it means to ‘hold your tongue’.

Davis was callous and unapologetic. If you weren’t with him, you were against him, and to hell with you! Only one thing mattered to Davis – winning.

He coined the Raiders now traded slogans, ‘commitment to excellence’ and ‘just win, baby’ – six little words that perfectly captured the essence of Davis’ ruthless desire to win at any cost.

Don’t believe me?  This is the man who, in October of 2008, fired his Head Coach during a press conference.  Did I mention he was ruthless?

Yet incredibly, for a man who is remembered as someone far from compassionate, Davis was pivotal in breaking down barriers in society.

The Davis-led Raiders were the first franchise to hire an African-American head coach, Art Shell; a Latino head coach, Tom Flores; and a female chief executive, Amy Trask. They were also the first team to draft an African-American quarterback in the opening round of the draft, when they selected Eldridge Dickey in 1968. In typical Davis fashion, not only was Dickey a first-round choice, he was the first choice in the entire draft.

But they say that the most important praise you can receive is that of your peers, and Davis had that in abundance. Not only is Davis enshrined in the Pro-Football Hall of Fame, but nine other members chose to have Davis be the man to present their induction.

Fittingly, the Raiders came from behind to plunder a victory against the Houston Texans this past weekend; a triumph sealed after Michael Huff intercepted the ball as time expired.

Players embraced – coaches and officials wept.  This meant a little more than an average win.

The footage of head coach Hue Jackson’s emotional tribute to Davis in the victorious locker room after the game, sums up just how important he was.

Al Davis didn’t own the Raiders; he is the Raiders.

Liam Quinn is a first-year Bachelor of Journalism student at La Trobe University.  You can read more of his work on his blog, and follow him on Twitter: @liamquinn23