“RIP” – Raiders Nation Mourns Tragic Death of NFL Legend Carmen Cavalli at 87 Who Was a Part of the Inaugural AFL Season

Another legend from the Raiders’ family bids farewell to the world. Earlier in February, the franchise shed their tears on their former star linebacker and Hollywood icon Carl Weathers, who passed away at the age of 76. Now, once again, the Raiders nation is mourning over the loss of their veteran defensive end Carmen Cavalli.

Cavalli, who played for the Oakland Raiders, was picked in the first American Football League draft from Richmond University. During his rookie season, he participated in all 14 regular-season games but missed the next season because of an injury. And later retired in 1960. As his soul has departed from the Raiders family, the franchise shared a tribute for their legendary former DE.

A long note tribute to Carmen Cavalli from his former team

Carmen Anthony Cavalli passed away on March 20, 2024, at the age of 86, reportedly due to old age. However, the authorities haven’t disclosed the exact cause of death yet. Cavalli was a talented athlete who attended Saint Thomas More High School, excelling in three sports. He continued his education and football career at the University of Richmond, before transitioning into his professional football career.

Eagles, his former team, posted a lengthy note on X, paying tribute and offering their heartfelt condolences for his family, respectively.

The note reads: “The Raiders Family mourns the passing of Carmen Cavalli, who played defensive end for the original Oakland Raiders in 1960.” It further continued, “Selected in the inaugural American Football League Draft out of Richmond, Cavalli played in all 14 regular season games for the Raiders as a rookie before missing the following season due to injury. The condolences of the entire Raider Nation are with Carmen’s wife, Fritzi, daughters Cheri, Cindi and Carri, and all of his friends and loved ones at this time.”

In 1960, Cavalli was one of the first members of the AFL Oakland Raiders, and so was known as the charter member. The saying “Once a Raider, Always a Raider” reflects his loyalty to the team. Carmen later pursued coaching and played for other football teams such as Philadelphia Bulldogs, Wheeling Ironmen, and Pottstown Firebirds. He then shifted gears and entered the business world, fulfilling his dream of owning a bar and restaurant in 1979.

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Cavalli was known to be a good and kind-hearted person, and probably that’s why he still has a huge fan base in the Raiders kingdom.

A fan’s sibling had the honor of playing with Carmen Cavalli

Carmen Cavalli found joy in spending time with his friends and family and traveling with them. He was also passionate about sports and loved discussing them. Although he just played 14 regular season games, during this tenure he made his fans who still remember him. On his passing, a fan wrote on Raiders’ tributary post: “May he rest in peace.”

Another fan claimed that his sibling played with Cavalli, saying, “He played with my cousin Charlie Hardy!” with a prayer emoji.

Some fans simply wrote “RIP” in mourning the loss.

Another fan took pride in him and the Raiders’ organization, comparing it to other teams he played with. The fan commented, “What other team does this for a player that played one year for them? Once a Raider always a Raider.”

Carmen Cavalli will forever be in the hearts of the NFL community. He leaves behind his 62-year-old wife Fritzi; three daughters – Cheri McGowan, Cindi McAllister, and Carri Rossi; brother Tommy Cavalli; six grand-children; and four great-grandchildren.