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In 1941 the NFL did away with the position of League President, opting instead to appoint a commissioner. The man the owners picked for the job was none other than Elmer Layden, the head football coach of Notre Dame and one of the university’s fabled “Four Horsemen.”
Offered is the very document appointing Layden as the first Commissioner of the NFL. The four page legal document between Layden and a majority representation of the owners, is dated February 1, 1941 and has been signed in blue ink by Layden and seven team officials, Pro Football HOFers - George Halas, Art Rooney, George Preston Marshall (D. 1969), and “Curly” Lambeau (B. 1965).
Also signed by Detroit Lions owner, Fred Mandel, Cleveland Rams president, Edward Bruch, and Dan Topping, owner of the NFL’s Brooklyn Dodgers and co-owner of MLB team, NY Yankees.
Most importantly, this has been signed by Chicago Cardinals founder and owner, Charles Bidwill (D. 1949), who is easily the toughest Pro Football Hall of Fame autograph next to Hugh Shorty Ray. We can count on one hand how many authenticated Bidwill autographs have made their way into the hobby. To date, all of the Bidwill autographs that have surfaced have been signed CW Bidwill.
This is only the 2nd known autograph that we are aware of that he signed his full name, “Charles W. Bidwill.”
The contract, which remains in effect until February 26, 1946, calls for Layden to receive an annual salary of $20,000.
One of the interesting aspects of this contract is the fact that it calls for salary provisions in the event that the NFL is unable to operate on the account of war conditions. The NFL was by no means a stable financial organization at the time, with the number of teams in the League often changing annually. The loss of young men to the draft was a serious concern and Layden struggled mightily during his tenure to keep the League together during those lean years.
Layden served his full term as commissioner, however, he was replaced by Bert Bell in 1946. The Lambeau and Marshall signatures display moderate to heavy bleeding, otherwise the signatures average “9”.
The document (8.5” x 13”) exhibits a horizontal fold, along which there is some heavy toning and a tear along the edge. Each page of the document has been reinforced on the reverse along the tear line with clear tape.
Full PSA/DNA LOA
NOT FOR SALE
Item: 12585
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