Art Shell

American football player and coach

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July 23, 2026

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Art Shell was a prominent American football player and coach, born on November 26, 1946, in Charleston, South Carolina. He played as a tackle for the Oakland Raiders from 1968 to 1982, wearing jersey number 78. During his career, Shell achieved significant recognition, including 8 Pro Bowl selections, 2 All-Pro selections, and 2 Super Bowl championships. His exceptional contributions to the sport led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989. Shell also made history as the first African American head coach in the modern era of the NFL when he was hired by the Raiders in 1989.12

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Al Davis
…time, including the hiring of Art Shell as head coach in 1989, which made Shell the first African American head coach in the modern era of the NFL. Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
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…time, including the hiring of Art Shell as head coach in 1989, which made Shell the first African American head coach in the modern era of the NFL. Davis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Read More