Oakland Raiders Legend and Actor Ben Davidson 1940-2012 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 07-03-2012, 04:36 PM

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Legendary Raider Ben Davidson, whose handlebar mustache and gravelly voice were as distinctive as his pass-rushing skills, has died of prostate cancer. He was 72.

Former Raiders coach John Madden broke the news on KCBS radio Tuesday.

Davidson was considered a giant of the era at 6-foot-8, 270 pounds. He starred as a defensive end in Oakland (1964-1971) after playing his first three professional seasons with Green Bay (1961) and Washington (1962-63).

He was an American Football League All-Star in 1966, 1967, and 1968.

Davidson was a fierce player who intimidated opponents as a member of a defense known as "11 Angry Men." His 1970 spear of Chiefs QB Len Dawson sparked a classic brawl that cost Kansas City a win and ultimately the AFC West title.

That November day, Kansas City led the Raiders 17–14 and a long run by Dawson apparently sealed victory in the final minute.

Dawson was speared by Davidson after the whistle, which prompted Chiefs receiver Otis Taylor to attack Davidson. The benches cleared and offsetting penalties were called, which under the rules at the time, nullified Dawson's first down.

The Chiefs were forced to punt and the Raiders tied the game on a George Blanda field goal with 8 seconds remaining.

The sequence not only cost the Chiefs a win, but Oakland went on to claim the AFC West at 8–4–2, while Kansas City finished 7–5–2 and out of the playoffs.

Davidson was born in Los Angeles but did not play football at Woodrow Wilson High School. Because of his height, his primary sport was basketball.

But while attending East Los Angeles Community College, he was spotted by the football coach and asked to join the team. He was subsequently recruited to play at the University of Washington where played on two Rose Bowl-winning teams

Following his football career, Davidson appeared in a number of films and TV shows as well as starring in a popular TV commercial for Lite Beer.

ponytail · 07-04-2012, 11:12 AM

What sad news to hear. He was a favorite of mine, even though I wasn't a big Raiders fan. They don't make them like him anymore. He was what a football player should be. Davidson and Bob Lilly were my guys.

duckie · 07-04-2012, 12:18 PM

Let me tell you, he was a menace on the football field. Rest in peace!!

Marvo301 · 07-04-2012, 01:44 PM

Ben Davidson

07-03-2012, 04:36 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,472	Oakland Raiders Legend and Actor Ben Davidson 1940-2012 Link Legendary Raider Ben Davidson, whose handlebar mustache and gravelly voice were as distinctive as his pass-rushing skills, has died of prostate cancer. He was 72. Former Raiders coach John Madden broke the news on KCBS radio Tuesday. Davidson was considered a giant of the era at 6-foot-8, 270 pounds. He starred as a defensive end in Oakland (1964-1971) after playing his first three professional seasons with Green Bay (1961) and Washington (1962-63). He was an American Football League All-Star in 1966, 1967, and 1968. Davidson was a fierce player who intimidated opponents as a member of a defense known as "11 Angry Men." His 1970 spear of Chiefs QB Len Dawson sparked a classic brawl that cost Kansas City a win and ultimately the AFC West title. That November day, Kansas City led the Raiders 17–14 and a long run by Dawson apparently sealed victory in the final minute. Dawson was speared by Davidson after the whistle, which prompted Chiefs receiver Otis Taylor to attack Davidson. The benches cleared and offsetting penalties were called, which under the rules at the time, nullified Dawson's first down. The Chiefs were forced to punt and the Raiders tied the game on a George Blanda field goal with 8 seconds remaining. The sequence not only cost the Chiefs a win, but Oakland went on to claim the AFC West at 8–4–2, while Kansas City finished 7–5–2 and out of the playoffs. Davidson was born in Los Angeles but did not play football at Woodrow Wilson High School. Because of his height, his primary sport was basketball. But while attending East Los Angeles Community College, he was spotted by the football coach and asked to join the team. He was subsequently recruited to play at the University of Washington where played on two Rose Bowl-winning teams Following his football career, Davidson appeared in a number of films and TV shows as well as starring in a popular TV commercial for Lite Beer.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

07-04-2012, 12:18 PM	#3
duckie Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 13, 2011 Location: south Posts: 1,784	Let me tell you, he was a menace on the football field. Rest in peace!!
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07-04-2012, 01:44 PM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Ben Davidson
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

07-04-2012, 11:12 AM	#2
ponytail Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 20, 2004 Location: In Happy, Healthy, Wealthyville Posts: 4,273	What sad news to hear. He was a favorite of mine, even though I wasn't a big Raiders fan. They don't make them like him anymore. He was what a football player should be. Davidson and Bob Lilly were my guys.