Legendary Las Vegas Raiders owner Al Davis had several adversaries. None were bigger than Denver Broncos’ duo, quarterback John Elway and coach Mike Shanahan.
The Oakland/LA Raiders were one of the most dominant teams in the 1970s and 1980s. The organization won a total of three Lombardi Trophies in that span. The 1990s, were a different story for Davis and his team though. While the Silver and Black struggled for the most part during that time, Elway and Shanahan won back-to-back Super Bowls within this decade. Sadly enough, this fact stings more when you realize this was a result of Davis’ impatience and his issues with the NFL.
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Before becoming the Broncos head coach, Shanahan was the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, after being fired by Davis. Shanahan never quite fit with the Raiders, philosophically and scheme-wise, which led to his firing. What ensued was one of the pettiest and ugliest feuds, which forever shaped the AFC West and the NFL as well.
John Elway Leading the Raiders?
Josh Schrock, of NBC Sports, recently looked at individuals that Raider Nation universally hate. As far as opposing players go, Elway was near the top alongside his coach. Another black eye for the Raiders fandom to this day, is that Elway should’ve been leading their team. Unfortunately, Davis’ issues with then NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle impeded that, altering the course for two franchises.
“Of course, Elway was meant to be a Raider. The Silver and Black were primed to send three first-round picks and two second-round picks to the Baltimore Colts to draft Elway in 1983, but NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle vetoed the deal.”
It’s possible the NFL will never see another rivalry quite like this one, so personal and petty on an unmatched level. As far as Raider Nation’s concerned, the hatred for the Broncos will not dissipate any time soon. That much is guaranteed.
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*Top Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images