By Darin 
Born: November 26, 1946, Charleston, South Carolina
Art Shell was one of the most dominant and respected offensive tackles in NFL history, whose fifteen-year career with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders defined offensive line excellence throughout the 1970s. His dual legacy as a Hall of Fame player and the first African-American head coach in the modern NFL era solidified his place as a pioneer in the sport.
College Career
Shell began his collegiate career at Maryland State College (now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, an HBCU) from 1964 to 1967. Playing on both the offensive and defensive lines, his size, agility, and quickness—honed from his time as an all-state basketball player in high school—made him a formidable two-way player. During his time, he earned numerous honors, including Little All-American his senior year in 1967 and a three-time selection to the All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) team. His performance caught the eye of professional scouts, leading to his selection in the 1968 draft.
Road to the Pro Game
Shell was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round (80th overall) of the 1968 AFL/NFL Draft. Initially contributing on special teams, he permanently moved to the offensive line at left tackle in his third season, a position he would hold for the next thirteen years. He quickly formed one of the most celebrated offensive line tandems in history alongside left guard Gene Upshaw. Shell played 15 seasons for the Raiders, spanning the AFL and NFL, providing exceptional pass protection and run blocking, leading the team to multiple championships.
Football Legacy
Shell’s impact extended beyond his playing days. He was a foundational piece of the Raiders’ success, helping the franchise win two Super Bowl championships (XI and XV). His physical play and durability led him to 207 total games played. After retiring as a player in 1982, Shell transitioned into coaching, and in 1989, he was hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Raiders. This appointment marked him as the first African-American head coach in the modern history of the NFL, cementing a powerful legacy that transcended the field and opened doors for others in the league.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- Accolades & Awards (Player):
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (1989)
- College Football Hall of Fame (2013)
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XI, XV, XVIII)
- 8× Pro Bowl selection (1973–1978, 1980)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1974, 1977)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Accolades & Awards (Coach):
- UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1990)
- Career Stats (NFL/AFL, 15 Seasons):
- Games Played: 207
- Games Started: 169
- Super Bowl Victories: 2 (as a player, plus 1 as an assistant coach for XVIII)
- Big thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com