Joe Carr Signed AUTO letter D.1939 Pro Football HOF Autograph PSA/DNA LOA

Joseph F. Carr (D. 1939) was the president of the National Football League from 1921 until his death in 1939. Carr was born in Columbus, Ohio. As a mechanic for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Columbus, he directed the Columbus Panhandles football team in 1907 until 1922. The "Panhandles" were one of the largest draws in early professional football, starring the Nesser Brothers, and were nearly unbeatable at home in Indianola Park. He helped to reorganize the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in 1921, and moved the offices from Canton to Columbus, Ohio. This league would be renamed the National Football League in 1922, and Carr served as its president from 1921 until his death in 1939. He was elected to the Helms Hall of Fame in 1950 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, and is the only non-player in both halls. Carr also served as president of the American Basketball League (ABL) from 1925 to 1928. In 1963, Carr was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of their first induction class.

Every once and awhile something comes up for auction that makes collectors chomp at the bit in order to own such an extraordinary piece. 

Offered is a a typed letter signed by the man who turned the game of football from being played in the sandlots to the stadiums all over the U.S.A. On National Football League letterhead, this historic letter to Philadelphia Eagles owner, Bert Bell is dated "March 20, 1937”

Carr writes acknowledging the contract of Jay Arnold, who was a halfback, fullback, wingback (quarterback) and defensive back. He played his college football at the U of Texas and in the NFL for the Eagles (1937-40) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1940). He is one of only 6 NFL players to have a receiving touchdown, a fumble recovery for a TD and an interception TD in the same season in 1938.

Carr notes that there are clarifications being made to the contract, “When the contract reached me, I noted the exceptions made I the first paragraph.  However, we have quite a few contracts on hand and we never have any difficulty in administering them.  However, I am glad you clarified  this with the later contract, which will be properly promulgated, and I am returning the original one you sent me.”

Fascinating insight to the inner workings of the business side of early professional football.

At the conclusion, Carr's black ink signature shows "10" strength.  We dare you to find a nicer signature.

Full LOA from PSA/DNA



Item: 12787

Retail Price: $8,900.00
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Sale Price: $8,500.00
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Joe Carr Signed AUTO letter D.1939 Pro Football HOF Autograph PSA/DNA LOA