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Bert Bell Early NFL Contributor, Commissioner...

Football Hall of Fame | Bert Bell Early NFL Contributor, Commissioner, and Owner

The 1922 Rose Bowl
Celebrate 2 of the top Gridiron Coaches in history in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach

Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team

FREE Daily Sports History
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Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrined Player

A select few NFL players are selected to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This museum and its content stands as a monument to the gridiron greats, their enshrinement a testament to their lasting impact on the sport.

By honoring these legends, we gain a deeper appreciation for the history and evolution of professional football. Each Hall of Famer represents a specific era, their stories chronicling the game's transformation from its rugged beginnings to the modern marvel it is today. From the early days of Vince Lombardi's coaching genius to the aerial acrobatics of Joe Montana, these players embody the innovation and athletic development that have shaped the game. By celebrating their achievements, we celebrate the rich tapestry of professional football, ensuring that the incredible feats of the past continue to inspire future generations. We are proud to help the Hall to salute these gridiron greats with bios and stories of what made them special in the arena of football history and their impact on the game.


Bert Bell Early NFL Contributor, Commissioner, and Owner

Bert Bell, born on February 25, 1895, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of the National Football League (NFL), serving as its second commissioner from 1946 until he died in 1959. His tenure was marked by significant advancements that solidified the NFL's position as a major force in American sports.  

Bell's impact stemmed from his deep understanding of football, gained from his experiences as a player, coach, and team owner. He co-founded the Philadelphia Eagles in 1933, navigating the team through the challenging economic climate of the Great Depression. This hands-on experience gave him invaluable insights into professional football's business side.  

As commissioner, Bell championed several key initiatives. He was instrumental in establishing the NFL Draft in 1936, which aimed to create a more equitable distribution of talent among teams, preventing the wealthiest franchises from dominating the league. He also played a crucial role in promoting the growth of televised football, recognizing its potential to expand the league's audience.  

Bell's most significant contributions were his emphasis on parity and competitive balance. He understood that a successful league required all teams to have a fair chance at success. His efforts to level the playing field through the draft and other measures helped to create a more exciting and unpredictable product.  

Bell's legacy extends beyond his administrative achievements.

He passionately advocated for the game and was dedicated to its integrity and growth. His vision and leadership laid the groundwork for the NFL's transformation into the dominant sports league it is today.

Preserving Gridiron History in a New Way!
Enjoy football history with some challenging word puzzle fun

The Pigskin Dispatch Football Word Search

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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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 _________________________

Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN. _________________________

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. _________________________

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. _________________________