Ben Davidson: The NFL villain who turned a controversial hit into a rule change
In short: Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall with a signature handlebar mustache, Ben Davidson was the NFL's ultimate antagonist. A defensive end for the Oakland Raiders, he embraced a reputation for late hits, culminating in a legendary 1970 play that forced the league to rewrite its rulebook on personal fouls.
Born in 1940, Ben Davidson did not play football in high school, preferring basketball and track. His path to the gridiron began at East Los Angeles College, leading to a standout career at the University of Washington. Drafted by the New York Giants in 1961, he spent his early professional years as a journeyman with the Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins. It was not until he joined the Oakland Raiders in 1964 that he found his true home, thriving as a pass rusher under coaches like Al Davis and John Madden.
Davidson’s most infamous moment occurred on November 1, 1970, against the Kansas City Chiefs. After Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson secured a first down, Davidson dove into him with his helmet at full speed. The resulting brawl and offsetting penalties nullified the play, ultimately costing Kansas City the game and a playoff spot. The incident was so egregious that the NFL changed its rules to distinguish between fouls occurring during a play and those occurring after, eventually explicitly banning such late hits by 1976. Critics and peers alike labeled him the league's premier 'cheap-shot artist,' a persona Davidson cultivated with relish.
Beyond his aggressive play, Davidson was a man of varied pursuits. He was a savvy real estate investor, using his 1961 championship bonus to build a portfolio. He was also an avid motorcyclist, once completing a 14,000-mile cross-country trip. After retiring from football—following a brief stint with the World Football League’s Portland Storm—he transitioned into acting. He appeared in films like Conan the Barbarian and television shows including Happy Days and CHiPs. Davidson passed away in 2012 at age 72, leaving behind a complex legacy as both a feared enforcer and a multifaceted personality.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Ben Davidson
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