Arthur "Art" Shell (born November 26, 1946) is a former American collegiate and Professional Football player in the American Football League and the NFL, and a two-time former head coach of the Oakland Raiders. He holds the distinction of becoming the second-ever African American head coach (after Fritz Pollard) in the history of Professional Football, and the first in the sport's modern era. He also holds the Pro Football record for playing the ...
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Arthur "Art" Shell (born November 26, 1946) is a former American collegiate and Professional Football player in the American Football League and the NFL, and a two-time former head coach of the Oakland Raiders. He holds the distinction of becoming the second-ever African American head coach (after Fritz Pollard) in the history of Professional Football, and the first in the sport's modern era. He also holds the Pro Football record for playing the longest as a diabetic.
Shell was drafted by the American Football League's Oakland Raiders from Maryland State College. Playing offensive tackle, Shell participated in 24 playoff contests, including Super Bowls XI and XV, and was named to eight Pro Bowls.
Shell was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989. In 1999, he was ranked number 55 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.
Through Al Davis, Shell is a member of the Sid Gillman coaching tree. As coach of the Raiders (at the time located in Los Angeles),...
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