1949 Pro Football History

The headline in the Elmira, New York Star-Gazette on May 20, 1949, announcing "Reagan Inks Contract with Philly Eagles," marked a significant moment in the career of Frank Reagan, a seasoned player in the early days of the National Football League. This wasn't the future President Ronald Reagan, but Francis "Frank" Reagan, a talented safety and punter who had previously played for the New York Giants. The fact that a local newspaper in Elmira, far from the major media hubs, would highlight this signing speaks to the regional interest in professional football and the recognition of Reagan as a notable player.

Reagan's move to the Philadelphia Eagles was particularly noteworthy because the Eagles were the reigning NFL champions. Having secured the title in the 1948 season, they were a team looking to solidify their dominance. Adding a player of Reagan's caliber, who had already established himself as a capable defensive back and a leading punter in the league (he led the NFL in interceptions in 1947 while with the Giants), was a strategic move to bolster their roster. The article likely detailed the terms of the contract and the expectations for Reagan in contributing to the Eagles' championship defense.

This signing proved to be a crucial piece in the Eagles' continued success. In the 1949 season, with Frank Reagan playing a significant role as a starting safety (recording seven interceptions) and handling punting duties (averaging an impressive 45 yards per punt), the Philadelphia Eagles once again captured the NFL Championship. The Elmira Star-Gazette's early reporting on this transaction highlighted a key acquisition that helped cement the Eagles' status as a football powerhouse in that era. Reagan would continue to play for the Eagles for a couple more seasons, solidifying his place in their history and further validating the significance of that 1949 signing reported in Elmira.