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The Gray-Flannel Pigskin: Movers and Shakers of Pro Football

Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2019 7:30 pm
by Aron Harris
Just got done reading this book by William Henry Paul, published in 1974. It's an interesting book that profiles front office executives across the NFL. Some of them you already know plenty about (Carroll Rosenbloom, Art Rooney) while others are very under the radar, such as John Free, Business Manager and Traveling Secretary for the NY Jets, Jack Horrigan, Buffalo Bills PR VP who time after time convinced OJ Simpson to stay in Buffalo when he was at odds with the coaching staff, and Rommie Loudd, Director of Pro Personnel for the Boston Patriots that advanced the importance of pro scouting in the NFL and later became a managing partner for the Florida Blazers in the World Football League. One other man that was mentioned briefly was Dick Gordon, a former astronaut that became the Executive Vice President of the New Orleans Saints after his career with NASA.

If you haven't read it, I would recommend it. For those who have read it, I'm curious to hear your opinions, and would love any recommendations for books similar to this.

Re: The Gray-Flannel Pigskin: Movers and Shakers of Pro Foot

Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2019 10:59 am
by Halas Hall
I also enjoyed that book. Maybe a similar book is Ironmen by Stuart Leuthner (1988) which features (interesting) profiles of some players and I think it includes a profile of Eagles ticket manager Jim Gallagher.

Papa Bear (2005) by Jeff Davis only looks at George Halas, but I think it's a great book.