Mike Davis, a former Oakland Raiders safety who started on two of their Super Bowl-winning teams, has died, the team announced Sunday. He was 65.
There was no information provided on his cause of death.
Davis earned a spot in Raiders lore with his game-saving, end-zone interception in ice-cold Cleveland in the 1980 AFC Divisional playoff for Oakland, which would go on to win Super Bowl XV.
Davis’ big play came while the Raiders were protecting a 14-12 lead in Cleveland in the playoff game’s final minute. Browns quarterback Brian Sipe’s pass was intended for Ozzie Newsome in the end zone but Davis cut in front and intercepted the pass to seal the victory.
A second-round Raiders pick in 1977 out of Colorado, Davis played 107 of his 115 career games with the Raiders — he finished his career with the Chargers in 1987. He had 11 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries in the regular season.
Davis also had two interceptions in the AFC title game against Seattle in the 1983 season before the Raiders went on to another Super Bowl title.
“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Davis,” the Raiders said in a statement. “Mike was a beloved teammate, friend and cherished part of our family. The thoughts and prayers of the Raider Nation are with Mike’s family: Mary, Mike Jr. and Allen. Mike will forever be in our hearts and minds.”