Trump official pushes for Teddy Roosevelt’s Football Hall of Fame induction

President Teddy Roosevelt is set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year, according to US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. Burgum made the announcement at a Bank of America reception in Washington, D.C. in celebration of the country’s upcoming 250th birthday.

The proclamation is expected to be officially made next spring during the NFL draft in Washington, D.C. Burgum shared that the National Park Service controls the National Mall where the draft will be held, with the Capitol building as the backdrop.

Roosevelt, known for his role in saving football from extinction over a century ago, would be the first president to be honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His intervention in 1905-06 led to significant rule changes in the sport, including the legalization of the forward pass and the creation of a neutral zone at the line of scrimmage.

If approved, Roosevelt’s induction would mark a historic moment in the Hall of Fame’s history. While most inductees are players or coaches, the Hall also recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of football.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame, located in Canton, Ohio, enshrines the sport’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Induction into the Hall is considered the highest honor in professional football, requiring at least 80% of the vote and a five-year waiting period for most eligible candidates after retirement.

Burgum’s announcement coincided with Bank of America’s CEO Brian Moynihan’s announcement of a $5 million donation to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. This gesture further highlights the significance of Roosevelt’s impact on American history and culture.

Overall, Roosevelt’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame would not only recognize his contributions to the sport but also commemorate his legacy as a transformative figure in American history.