First a Raider

Walsh at SJSU 1955

Football lost a giant on Monday. It's certainly not news to anyone reading this, because Bill Walsh, the legendary coach of the 49ers and Stanford Cardinal, was an icon. When icons pass, news travels like lightning.

The Raiders issued a simple statement...

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Walsh. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Geri, and two children, Craig and Elizabeth. He was a giant among giants and an innovator whose commitment to excellence was unparalleled.

"Bill began his legendary pro coaching career with the Oakland Raiders as offensive backs coach in 1966 and went on to achieve greatness in the coaching ranks, both at the college and professional level. Bill will be sorely missed."

The list of Walsh’s disciples is a who’s who of NFL coaches, and the list of those that tried to mirror his patented offense is even longer. Even with three Super Bowl rings, mentoring up & coming coaches was where Walsh found the greatest satisfaction. Passing on football knowledge was something he first learned to appreciate as a member of the Raiders coaching staff in ’66.

Under the wing of a renegade leader named Al Davis, Walsh was given his first shot in the NFL. 15 years later, he would turn a hapless franchise into a dynasty. There’s no doubt that Davis was responsible in part for the evolution of a coaching genius, and through it all the two remained friends.

The rivalry that the Raiders and 49ers maintain will always be bitter, but outside the lines, legends like Walsh and Davis always maintained a mutual respect.

In the begging, Walsh was a Raider. Once a Raider, always a Raider. May he rest in peace.