Possessing the size, speed and ability to make remarkable plays all over the field, Powell was one of the American Football League's first stars.
Powell began his American professional career after he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and put together an impressive rookie season in 1959, finishing second in kickoff returns with a 27-yard average while serving as a reserve defensive back.
Powell refused to play in a 1960 preseason game against the Washington Redskins in Norfolk, Va., upon learning that the Eagles' black players would not be given rooms at the team's hotel.
During his first year with the Raiders in 1963, the team's record improved by nine games under the leadership of new head coach Al Davis, with Powell scoring 16 touchdowns and catching 73 passes for 1,394 yards.
Powell requested to be traded to Buffalo so he could pursue business opportunities in the Toronto area, and Raiders owner Al Davis agreed to do so.
Four decades after his playing career ended, Powell remains the Raiders fourth all-time leading receiver, scoring 50 touchdowns during his four seasons with Oakland.
With five seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards, he earned American Football League All-Star accolades for four straight years and was among a select group that was chosen on the All-Time All-AFL Team.