Al Davis' passing has rocked the NFL world this morning. Current Oakland Raiders learned of the news after a team meeting this morning in their Houston hotel, as they prepare to play the Texans tomorrow. Jason La Canfora of NFL Network broke the details after speaking to some members of the Raiders organization.
(Head Coach Hue) Jackson gathered the entire team following a special-teams meeting that took place at 9:30 a.m. CT.
"Coach was very emotional," one player said. "He was really, really close with Mr. Davis. It's really tough right now for the entire Raider organization."
Several players choked up when they heard the news. Even though Davis' health was declining, the news surprised them. Davis had "an open-door policy" with players, they said, and many had regular conversations with the owner.
"We had his number, and he was always willing to talk to us about whatever was on your mind," one player told me.
Tributes and acknowledgements are trickling in from current Raider players since through Twitter.
Raiders defensive tackle Lamarr Houston
R.I.P al davis he help change the game
lamarr houston
solo_dolo_9s
Raiders linebacker Jarvis Moss
RIP AL Davis! #RaiderNation
Jarvis Moss
MoSSwag94
Raiders tight end Kevin Brock
Very sad day for our organization and the NFL. Plz #raidernation send your thoughts and prayers out to the Davis family in this time of need
Kevin Brock
B_rock89
Raiders running back Michael Bush
Never got 2 say thanks #mr.davis 4 giving me the chance 2 be a Raider ur a legend 2 the nfl My thoughts n prayers go out 2 the davis family
Michael Bush
michaelbush29
Raiders running back Rock Cartwright
R.I.P. Mr. Al Davis.. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to wear the Silver and Black.. #RaiderNation..
Rock Cartwright
Rockgotti25
Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt
It pains me to say this...R.I.P. to the greatest sports owner to ever walk the earth...Allan Davis... #YouKeptYourPromise
Stanford Routt
SRoutt26
Raiders cornerback Chimdi Chekwa
My prayers go out to the Davis family. I'm proud to be a part of this organization and the influence of Coach Davis.
Chimdi Chekwa
ChimChek
Raiders cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke
Today we lost a great man, legend, Hall of famer and most of all a RAIDER! You will always be a Raider Mr. Davis #Raidernation will miss U
DeMarcus Van Dyke
D_VanDyke8
Raiders fullback Marcel Reece
Thank you Al Davis for giving me the chance to live out my dream! I am proud to be a Raider and enjoyed our close relationship.
Marcel Reece
CelReece45
Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy
R.I.P to our owner Al Davis. He was such pioneer to the game of football. If it wasn't for you, a lot of us players wouldn't be where we are
Louis Murphy Jr
murph918
Raiders safety Mike Mitchell
R.I.P. Mr. Davis. I'm am forever in debt to you. Thank you for drafting me and changing my life. #justwinbaby!
MikeMitchell34
Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor
Just Win baby--Al Davis
Pryor
TerrellePryor
Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey
R.I.P Coach Al Davis ... Thank you for everything. You've changed my life. A true players Owner #JustWinBaby
Darrius Heyward-Bey
theDHB85
Raiders tight end Kevin Boss
Tomorrow we will go out there & celebrate the life of Mr. Davis and honor him by laying it all on the line...so thankful he made me a Raider
Kevin Boss
KevinBossman
Raiders safety Tyvon Branch
RIP Mr. Davis a great, passionate leader... The man who gave me a chance to live out my dreams... And a true pioneer and football icon
Tyvon Branch
tyvonbranch
Raiders defensive end Kamerion Wimbley
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Al Davis. He was an extraordinary man. I send my sincerest condolences to his family.
Kamerion Wimbley
Mr_Wimbley96
Raiders running back Darren McFadden
It's a sad day for tha raiders organization, I jus wanna send my prayers out to Mr. Davis family he will be deeply missed
darren mcfadden
dmcfadden20
Raiders wide receiver Nick Miller
RIP Al Davis a true football legend who will never be forgotten. I am forever greatful to him for giving me the opportunity to live my dream
NickMiller89
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