Former Raiders defensive back Fred "The Hammer" Williamson will light the Al Davis Memorial Torch prior to kickoff of Sunday's Las Vegas Raiders-Kansas City Chiefs game.
Williamson joined the Raiders in 1961 and played four seasons in Oakland, intercepting 25 passes, which ranks eighth on the franchise's career interceptions list.
The three-time AFL All-Star earned his nickname "The Hammer" for his aggressive play style and was a core member of the 1963 Raiders team that recorded the greatest single-season improvement in pro football history – going from a 1-13 mark to 10-4 under first-year Head Coach Al Davis, a record that stood for 45 years.
Upon retirement, Williamson transitioned to the silver screen and established a diverse career in Hollywood by appearing in, directing and producing countless films.
Williamson is the latest of a distinguished list that have been bestowed the honor, beginning with the late John Madden, who was the first to light the torch on October 18, 2011. The First Lady of Raider Nation, Mrs. Carol Davis, was the first to light the Al Davis Memorial Torch honoring her late husband in Las Vegas prior to the Raiders' inaugural contest at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020.
Since the tradition began in 2011 in Oakland, many Raiders Alumni, celebrities and fans have had the privilege to light the Torch before each home game. The Al Davis Memorial Torch is a tribute to Mr. Davis' legacy as the Raiders' longtime owner, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, AFL Coach of the Year, AFL Commissioner, and the architect of the Raiders' Commitment to Excellence in recognition of Mr. Davis' enduring vision that "the fire that burns the brightest in the Raiders' organization is the will to win."
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