Carol Davis, the widow of legendary Las Vegas Raiders owner Al Davis and mother of current owner Mark Davis, passed away at the age of 93. The Raiders organization announced her passing on Sunday, honoring her as ‘The First Lady of Raider Nation.’ Her son, Mark Davis, lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch at Allegiant Stadium in her honor, a symbolic act that underscored her deep connection to the team.
Carol and Al Davis were married in 1954, and their marriage became synonymous with the Raiders’ rise to prominence. Al Davis joined the franchise as a coach in 1963, and the couple eventually co-owned the team, leading it to three Super Bowl victories in 1976, 1980, and 1983. Carol’s role was not limited to the backroom; she was present at significant milestones, including the groundbreaking of Allegiant Stadium in 2017 and the team’s debut game in Las Vegas in 2020, the latter taking place without fans due to pandemic restrictions.
Despite her prominence, Carol remained a behind-the-scenes figure, offering guidance and support to her family and the Raiders for over six decades. Her son Mark took over the ownership in 2011 after Al’s death, and she retained a share of the franchise. Carol’s influence is evident in the Raiders’ culture, with the team describing her as the ‘soul’ of the organization. Her passing marks the end of an era, with the Raiders planning a private service in Oakland, California, and a future celebration of her life.
‘There’s nobody that could have lit it other than her,’ Mark Davis told ESPN during the 2020 season. ‘Because it’s really a tough time in the country, but also here in Nevada, we don’t want to seem that we’re celebrating or anything of that nature. But to have my mom light that torch means so much, and I think it will mean a lot for everybody in this valley, so I’m excited.’
The Raiders expressed gratitude for her legacy, stating that ‘Carol provided unbridled support and unparalleled guidance to the Davis family and the Raiders organization for over 60 years.’ Her impact is deeply intertwined with the franchise’s greatness, a tribute that highlights her enduring influence even in her absence.