Run to Glory and Profits: The Economic Rise of the NFL during the 1950s

Acknowledgments

ix ACKNOWLEDGMENTS As always, writing the acknowledgements is one of this author’s favorite tasks. Many people have assisted me in the preparation of this book. George Rugg, curator of the Joyce Sports Collection at Notre Dame University, was instrumental in providing team scorecards and other information . Jon Kendle, researcher at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Archives and Information Center in Canton, Ohio, supplied me with minutes of National Football League and American Football League meetings, as well as other information. Their assistance made this book stronger. I offer my grateful appreciation for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Archives and Information Center’s permission to use archival material in this book. I also thank the Southern Economic Journal for their permission to reprint large portions of my article on gate sharing in Chapter Nine. The University of Oregon and Notre Dame University microfilm sections staff helped in locating The Sporting News on microfilm. University of Oregon archivists helped me located information on Joe Lillard, an early pioneer of integration in the nfl. Graduate students Ashley Fewins and Nadya Shumilova downloaded and printed key New York Times articles. In addition, both were attentive students and a joy to work with. Alicia Pecha, Nathan Mackey, and Kayla Gump, undergraduate student assistants in the Economics Department at the University of Northern Iowa worked on processing the note cards for this book. Their efforts on a rather tedious task were greatly appreciated. Farzad Moussavi, dean of the College of Business Administration, and Fred Abraham, head of the Economics Department at the University of Northern Iowa, gave unstinting financial support and encouragement. The University of Northern Iowa generously granted me a summer research x Acknowledgments grant during the writing stage. The College of Business Administration gave funds for two research trips to Canton, Ohio, as well as financing the index. Janine Goodwin copyedited the manuscript under the direction of Sabrina Stellrecht at the University of Nebraska Press. Their efforts improved the final version, and I enjoyed working with them. Sarah Statz Cords compiled the index and, as usual, was a pleasure to work with. Professor Kevin Quinn of St. Norbert College gave the book a thorough reading early in the process. Two anonymous referees provided useful comments for improving this manuscript. I also acknowledge three more members of the University of Northern Iowa community. Rosie Lang, dining unit manager at Rialto Dining Hall, has supervised hundreds of delicious meals for a hungry bachelor, as well as being a good friend. Students Jen Bolden and Danielle Enderson proved inspiring with their dedication to scholarship and their friendliness. Ms. Boden will one day join the academy; Ms. Enderson earned a cpa and various honors while rooting for the New England Patriots. I’m sorry there isn’t more about your favorite team, Danielle, but they came late in the story. I thank the surviving members of my dissertation committee, Professors Robert W. Fogel, Nobel Prize winner in economics, and David Galenson for their encouragement over the past twenty-five years. While the nfl is a far cry from my Civil War dissertation, they have maintained an interest in my work. For the sake of Bob, who is a Chicago Bears fan, I trust I have not unduly maligned the Bears in any way. Run to Glory and Profits ...