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Thoughts and prayers from AP

You know me, and I know you.  We've had our differences.  But certain things transcend football and our imaginary world in which fans of different teams are blood enemies.

I'll deny I ever said this, but we're not blood enemies.  I don't hate a single Raider, or Raider fan.  Not really.  Because on some days we're reminded that this is a game, and that a man's life can transcend the game.

Al Davis was that kind of man.  There are certain people in certain moments of history who do things that no one else could have or would have.  Al Davis would fall into this category.  His strength of will and desire to win had more of an impact on the AFL and NFL than perhaps any other individual.  Without him, the AFL may not have had the strength to merge as an equal with the NFL.  Without him, "Raider Nation" perhaps never becomes the force of nature that it is.

He loved football.  And football was better for his love.  RIP Al Davis.