Immortalized: Las Vegas Raiders Legend Al Davis to be Honored with Statue in Allegiant Stadium
Few figures in NFL history have left a mark as bold and lasting as Al Davis. A visionary, a rebel, and the embodiment of the Raiders’ “Just Win, Baby” mantra, Davis defined not only a franchise but also an era of professional football. Now, nearly 13 years after his passing, the Las Vegas Raiders are ensuring his legacy endures in the most permanent way possible — with a statue inside Allegiant Stadium.
Davis has long been honored at the Raiders’ state-of-the-art home with the striking Al Davis Memorial Torch. Lit before every game, the torch serves as a powerful symbol of his impact on the franchise. But a statue — a physical, permanent representation of the man himself — feels like a more fitting tribute to someone who was the Raiders.
The announcement of the statue comes as a moment of deep significance not just for the Davis family, but for Raider Nation as a whole. Al Davis was more than just an owner. He was a coach, a general manager, a commissioner, and most importantly, a trailblazer. He championed diversity and inclusion before it was fashionable, hiring the first African American head coach of the modern era, Art Shell, the first Latino head coach, Tom Flores, and the first female CEO in the NFL, Amy Trask.
From Oakland to Los Angeles and finally to Las Vegas, Davis’s influence was woven into every move the franchise made. Known for his relentless commitment to excellence and fierce independence, Davis stood toe-to-toe with the NFL establishment more than once. He fought for what he believed was best for his team and the league, often shaking up the status quo along the way.
The upcoming statue will reportedly capture Davis in his signature look: tracksuit, slicked-back hair, sunglasses — a style as iconic as his personality. Positioned within Allegiant Stadium, it will give fans a chance to pause, reflect, and pay homage to the man who built the Raiders into one of the most recognizable brands in all of sports.
Mark Davis, current owner of the Raiders and Al’s son, has long spoken about preserving his father’s legacy. The torch was the first major symbol of that dedication, but this new statue provides a more complete and enduring image of who Al Davis was. While the torch represents the fire he lit in the organization, the statue will stand as a constant presence — a reminder that his philosophies, ideals, and unyielding spirit remain at the heart of the franchise.
The decision to unveil the statue now speaks volumes. As the Raiders continue to grow into their Las Vegas identity, anchoring their presence with the image of their founder serves as a bridge between generations. Fans who remember the AFL days, the Super Bowl runs of the ’70s and ’80s, or the L.A. era will see a familiar face. Younger fans will get to know the man behind the myth, the leader who shaped a football empire.
Though Al Davis passed away in 2011, his fingerprints are still all over the Raiders’ culture. The statue will not only honor his achievements but will also inspire future players, coaches, and fans to embrace the same passion and boldness that defined his tenure.
In the world of professional sports, few legacies are as distinctive and defiant as that of Al Davis. A torch was a great start. But a statue? That’s forever. And for a man who made it his mission to challenge the ordinary and chase greatness, there’s no more fitting tribute.
