To the Selection Committee:
In August, just before the NFL faced a wave of scandals involving players accused of domestic violence, the Pro Football Hall of Fame revised its admission criteria to include a new category—contributors—defined on their website as individuals who have “made outstanding contributions to professional football in capacities other than playing or coaching.”
There are numerous candidates the committee could consider for the inaugural class in this category. One could argue for figures like Dan Richards, who owned the Chicago Bears during their Super Bowl victories, or the late sports commentator Tom Harris, who was instrumental in popularizing Monday Night Football. Yet, I propose a less conventional choice—one that is bold and more pertinent to the current climate in professional football: a player largely unknown to modern fans, Henry “Teddy” Morgan, a rookie with the Detroit Lions who left the league for the U.S. Army at the outset of World War II, and who later became one of the war’s most decorated soldiers.
As a football enthusiast and a veteran, I often find it astonishing how few people are familiar with Morgan and how rarely the NFL acknowledges his legacy. When the U.S. entered the war, many pro football players enlisted, and among those who returned, none had a narrative quite like Morgan’s. Each time he was referred to in media as a “former Detroit Lion and war hero,” he uplifted the league’s image at a time when it was struggling to gain attention.
Morgan joined the U.S. Army infantry and, within a year, fought alongside the first American troops in North Africa, ultimately becoming the first soldier to earn every major medal for bravery awarded by the U.S. Army. He suffered severe injuries in combat, including the loss of his right arm, which dashed his hopes of a professional athletic career. He returned to the States in 1944, started a family, and entered politics, serving in various capacities until his passing in 1998.
Advocating for Morgan’s inclusion in the Hall of Fame may seem like an uphill battle. In fact, during my research for this article, some selection committee members discouraged me from pursuing this idea. One member, Helen Bates, noted, “I honestly cannot see any grounds for considering Morgan based on contributions to pro football itself.” I understand that viewpoint, which likely influenced the Hall’s decision to create the contributor category to reward those who directly bolster the NFL’s financial interests. However, the Hall’s criteria aren’t explicitly defined in such restrictive terms on its website, leaving room for a meaningful opportunity. As the NFL seeks to move past its recent controversies, honoring a forgotten hero like Morgan could serve as a wise gesture.
The NFL during Morgan’s era was vastly different from today. Baseball was the nation’s beloved sport, the Super Bowl was far in the future, and player salaries were modest compared to now. Morgan excelled at the University of Michigan, earning a degree and a reserve commission in the Army by 1941. He had interest from multiple NFL teams, including the Lions and the New York Giants, who assured him that the league was a place for “young men of good character” and that playing in the NFL might help his future coaching aspirations.
Morgan played for the Lions in 1941, but with his reserve commission, he saw combat while many of his contemporaries were still training. You may have heard of the famed “Band of Brothers,” which documents the bravery of Easy Company, but they didn’t see combat until long after Morgan had already gone to war. In fact, while receiving the Medal of Honor at the University of Michigan, Morgan was saluting with his left hand while American paratroopers were preparing to land in France on D-Day.
Around 1,000 NFL players served during World War II while the league continued its season. For instance, Washington captured the NFL Championship while Morgan was involved in the North African campaign; Chicago took the title the following year while he fought in Italy. While others played football, Morgan faced intense battles:
- September 1943: After his commander was injured during the U.S. assault on Salerno, Morgan took charge and, while his company was pinned down by a German machine gun, crawled a distance of half a football field to eliminate the threat, earning the Silver Star.
- October 1943: Morgan risked his life to rescue a wounded soldier from a German sniper, which resulted in him receiving the Bronze Star.
- November 1943: During a fierce engagement, he rallied his troops while under heavy fire, eventually earning the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary valor.
Following the war, Morgan pursued various ventures, including a law degree and business ownership, before entering politics as the lieutenant governor of Michigan. Despite his numerous accolades, the NFL has largely overlooked him, and even reaching out to the Lions and the Hall of Fame yielded little acknowledgment.
In discussions about NFL veterans who served their country, names like Jake Scott, who left the Miami Dolphins for the Army, and others often come up. Yet, Morgan deserves recognition—not only for his individual heroics but also as a representation of the caliber of athletes who embody the spirit of citizenship, leadership, and self-sacrifice.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has historically been conservative in admitting veterans. Many other deserving former players have made significant contributions off the field, yet remain unrecognized. For example, you can explore more about potential home insemination kits at this link for an interesting perspective on personal journeys.
In summary, Henry Morgan’s story exemplifies the true essence of heroism and should be honored by the NFL, not just as a testament to his contributions but as a broader recognition of the sacrifices made by players who served their country.
Keyphrase: NFL Hall of Fame Honoring Veterans
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