The intimidating Oakland Raider from the 60's & 70's. Probably as well-known for appearing in commercials!
Prostate cancer.
Raiders legend Davidson dies at 72
Davidson was born in Los Angeles but did not play football at Woodrow Wilson High School. Because of his height, his primary sport was basketball.
But while attending East Los Angeles Community College, he was spotted by the football coach and asked to join the team. He was subsequently recruited to play at the University of Washington where played on two Rose Bowl-winning teams.
Davidson was an American Football League All-Star in 1966, 1967, and 1968. He recalled his arrival in Oakland during a 2009 visit to Chronicle Live.
"(The Redskins) actually fired me for being overweight," Davidson said. "A guy over 300 pounds fired me for being overweight. Two days later I was at Raiders training camp and nice Mr. Davis was looking up at me saying '300, 300 -- I want you to weigh 300."
Following his football career, Davidson appeared in a number of films and TV shows as well as starring in a popular TV commercial for Lite Beer.
And here's more -
Ben Davidson gave rise to Oakland Raiders' renegade image
The punishing defensive end brought the requisite imposing size, standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 275 pounds. He brought the commanding voice, a growling baritone that rumbled like thunder. He could play a bit, too, playing in three AFL All-Star games.
But it was Davidson's devil-may-care attitude and rugged, biker gang-member look that really brought it home. His handlebar mustache, which appeared to be made from barbed wire, put the finishing touch on the villainous persona befitting the Raiders.
Ahhh, yes. Those were the days. I was in high school and college ...
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