One member of the great group we consider experts in their own area of sports history. It is a great thing when we are able to tap into a resource of a person that is willing to share their knowledge and help us understand a subject in greater detail.
Chris Willis Pro Football Historian
Authors | Chris Willis Pro Football Historian
The 1922 Rose Bowl
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Chris Willis Pro Football Historian
Chris Willis is a renowned author specializing in the rich history of professional football. Here's a breakdown of his career and background:
The Football Historian:
Head Librarian at NFL Films: Since 1996, Willis has held the position of Head Librarian at NFL Films, the production company responsible for iconic NFL highlight reels and documentaries. This role grants him unparalleled access to historical archives and resources, fueling his passion for chronicling the sport's past.
A Prolific Author:
-Multiple Books: Willis has authored numerous books delving into various aspects of professional football history. Some notable titles include:
-The Man Who Built the National Football League: Joe F. Carr (2010): This biography explores the life and impact of Joe Carr, a pivotal figure in shaping the early NFL.
-Dutch Clark: The Life of an NFL Legend and the Birth of the Detroit Lions (2012): This book sheds light on Dutch Clark, a player and coach who helped establish the Detroit Lions franchise.
-Red Grange: The Life and Legacy of the NFL's First Superstar (2019): This biography details the life and career of Red Grange, a legendary player who helped propel the NFL's popularity in the early 1920s.
-Walter Lingo, Jim Thorpe, and the Oorang Indians: How a Dog Kennel Owner Created the NFL's Most Famous Traveling Team (2017): This unique book explores the story of the Oorang Indians, a Native American exhibition team that left its mark on professional football's early years.
Beyond Books:
-Emmy Nomination: Willis's work extends beyond books. He received an Emmy nomination for his contributions to the HBO documentary "The Game of Their Lives: Pro Football in the 1950s."
-Professional Football Researchers Association: Willis has been a member of the Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA) since 1993. This organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of professional football, and Willis's involvement highlights his commitment to the field.
-Contributions to the Sport's Legacy: Through his research, writing, and contributions to documentaries, Chris Willis plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the stories that shaped professional football into the sport it is today.
The Football Historian:
Head Librarian at NFL Films: Since 1996, Willis has held the position of Head Librarian at NFL Films, the production company responsible for iconic NFL highlight reels and documentaries. This role grants him unparalleled access to historical archives and resources, fueling his passion for chronicling the sport's past.
A Prolific Author:
-Multiple Books: Willis has authored numerous books delving into various aspects of professional football history. Some notable titles include:
-The Man Who Built the National Football League: Joe F. Carr (2010): This biography explores the life and impact of Joe Carr, a pivotal figure in shaping the early NFL.
-Dutch Clark: The Life of an NFL Legend and the Birth of the Detroit Lions (2012): This book sheds light on Dutch Clark, a player and coach who helped establish the Detroit Lions franchise.
-Red Grange: The Life and Legacy of the NFL's First Superstar (2019): This biography details the life and career of Red Grange, a legendary player who helped propel the NFL's popularity in the early 1920s.
-Walter Lingo, Jim Thorpe, and the Oorang Indians: How a Dog Kennel Owner Created the NFL's Most Famous Traveling Team (2017): This unique book explores the story of the Oorang Indians, a Native American exhibition team that left its mark on professional football's early years.
Beyond Books:
-Emmy Nomination: Willis's work extends beyond books. He received an Emmy nomination for his contributions to the HBO documentary "The Game of Their Lives: Pro Football in the 1950s."
-Professional Football Researchers Association: Willis has been a member of the Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA) since 1993. This organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of professional football, and Willis's involvement highlights his commitment to the field.
-Contributions to the Sport's Legacy: Through his research, writing, and contributions to documentaries, Chris Willis plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the stories that shaped professional football into the sport it is today.
Related Searches
author:Chris Willis
Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
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Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the fun in preserving football history go to The Official PFRA Website.
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Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
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Gridiron Legacy: Pro Football's Missing Origin Story
Author Gregg Ficery tells the story of the beginnings of Pro Football through the pro football career of his Great Grandfather, Bob Shiring
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Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN.
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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry.
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