Part 3/5:
A Commander on the Sidelines
Al Davis was not just a behind-the-scenes figure; he was an active participant in the games. There are tales of him calling plays from the sidelines, providing directives in real-time, a testament to his knowledge of the game and his desire to actively engage in every aspect of the team's performance. Unlike today’s typical rotation, where players frequently substitute in and out, once players were on the field, they rarely left, particularly those who had earned Davis's trust.
The atmosphere during games was charged, with the infamous red phone by the Gatorade stand symbolizing Davis’s watchful eye. If a player came out for any reason, the urgency of that telephone ringing reminded everyone of the scrutiny and expectations that came with being a Raider.