Al Davis vs. Jerry Jones: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two NFL Titans

Al Davis, the legendary former owner of the Oakland Raiders, and Jerry Jones, the long-time owner of the Dallas Cowboys, share several similarities, but also differ in distinct ways. Here’s a comprehensive comparison between the two influential NFL figures across various dimensions:

1. Ownership and Control

• Al Davis: He had a hands-on role as owner, president, and general manager of the Raiders, exerting full control over football operations. Davis also held various roles over the years, including coach, commissioner of the AFL, and managing partner before ultimately taking full control of the franchise.
• Jerry Jones: Since buying the Cowboys in 1989, Jones has also been heavily involved in both the business and football operations. Like Davis, he serves as both owner and general manager, overseeing almost every aspect of the team.

2. Football Background

• Al Davis: Davis had a rich football background, serving as an assistant coach and eventually as head coach of the Raiders before moving into an executive role. He was a football strategist, heavily involved in the X's and O's.
• Jerry Jones: Jones played college football at the University of Arkansas, where he was an offensive lineman on a national championship team. However, his football experience has been more on the business and management side rather than coaching.

3. Impact on the NFL

• Al Davis: Davis was a pivotal figure in the NFL-AFL merger, which shaped the modern NFL. He was known for challenging the league’s establishment, suing the NFL multiple times, and moving the Raiders between Oakland and Los Angeles.
• Jerry Jones: Jones revolutionized the NFL’s business model, especially with sponsorships, stadium deals, and media rights. He was instrumental in the creation of AT&T Stadium, one of the most modern and lucrative venues in sports.

4. Team Identity and Culture

• Al Davis: The Raiders’ “Commitment to Excellence” and “Just Win, Baby!” slogans reflect Davis’ desire to build a tough, renegade team. He embraced players with controversial backgrounds and prided himself on a team of misfits and rebels, fostering a "bad boy" image.
• Jerry Jones: The Cowboys are branded as “America’s Team,” focusing on glitz, glamour, and widespread appeal. Jones has built a brand synonymous with success, wealth, and star power, though his focus on marketing has sometimes been criticized for taking precedence over on-field success.

5. Championship Success

• Al Davis: Under Davis’ leadership, the Raiders won three Super Bowls (1976, 1980, 1983). He built teams that were known for their toughness and ability to perform in big games.
• Jerry Jones: The Cowboys won three Super Bowls in the 1990s (1992, 1993, 1995), shortly after Jones took ownership. However, despite the franchise’s financial success, Jones has faced criticism for the Cowboys' long Super Bowl drought since the 1990s.

6. Coaching Decisions

• Al Davis: Davis was notorious for clashing with his coaches, despite his sharp football mind. Coaches like John Madden and Jon Gruden flourished under him, but many others found it difficult to deal with his strong involvement in football decisions.
• Jerry Jones: Jones famously fired legendary coach Tom Landry and hired Jimmy Johnson, with whom he won three Super Bowls. However, his relationship with Johnson soured, leading to Johnson’s departure. Jones has since maintained control over coaching decisions, though some argue this has hurt the team.

7. Relationship with Players

• Al Davis: Davis was a player’s advocate, known for his loyalty to them, especially those who performed well for the Raiders. He was ahead of his time in terms of diversity, being the first to hire a Black head coach (Art Shell), a female executive (Amy Trask), and a Latino head coach (Tom Flores).
• Jerry Jones: Jones has built strong personal relationships with many of his players, often being involved in their lives beyond football. However, he has been known to keep high-profile players even when their performance dipped, which has been seen as a double-edged sword.

8. Media Presence and Public Persona

• Al Davis: Davis was more reclusive and operated in the shadows. He had a combative relationship with the media and preferred to let his team's on-field success speak for him.
• Jerry Jones: Jones is one of the most visible owners in the NFL, often giving interviews, speaking on behalf of the Cowboys, and making public appearances. He thrives in the spotlight, embodying the showmanship aspect of owning “America’s Team.”

9. Controversy

• Al Davis: Davis frequently challenged the NFL’s authority, especially regarding team relocations. His decision to move the Raiders to Los Angeles in 1982 led to legal battles with the NFL. Davis was often seen as a rebel who wasn’t afraid to go against the grain.
• Jerry Jones: Jones has faced controversy in terms of team management and has been criticized for prioritizing profit over on-field performance. His decision-making as GM has also been questioned, especially with the Cowboys’ mixed results in the post-Super Bowl era.

10. Business Savvy

• Al Davis: Davis was innovative in football, but his business dealings were often contentious, especially with the league’s executives. While he made the Raiders profitable, he didn’t revolutionize the business aspect of the league as Jones did.
• Jerry Jones: Jones is considered one of the most business-savvy owners in sports. He transformed the Cowboys into the most valuable sports franchise in the world, pioneering merchandising and sponsorship models that have been emulated across the NFL.

11. Legacy

• Al Davis: Davis’ legacy lies in his contributions to both the AFL and NFL, his pioneering of diversity in coaching, and his football-first mentality. He was an iconoclast who cared deeply about winning and challenging the status quo.
• Jerry Jones: Jones’ legacy will likely be tied to his business acumen, his role in turning the Cowboys into a global brand, and his constant presence in NFL decision-making. While he is celebrated for his financial success, his football legacy is often scrutinized due to the Cowboys’ inability to reach a Super Bowl in recent decades.

12. Vision of the Game

• Al Davis: Davis was a visionary of vertical, aggressive football. He was committed to a high-risk, high-reward style of play, emphasizing speed and deep passing.
• Jerry Jones: Jones has not been as focused on the X's and O's as Davis but has shown a commitment to making the Cowboys a contender. His focus has often been on star power, both on and off the field.

Conclusion:

Al Davis and Jerry Jones are two titans of NFL ownership, both leaving indelible marks on the league. While Davis was more focused on the football side and challenging authority, Jones has been instrumental in changing how NFL teams operate as businesses. Both, however, shared a commitment to winning and building powerful franchises that have endured in NFL lore.