American businessman and owner of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (1896-1969) who founded the team in 1932 as the Boston Braves and was its controlling owner until his death in 1969. A supporter of racial segregation, Marshall was the last NFL owner to integrate African Americans onto a roster. TLS, one page, 8.25 x 11, The Redskins letterhead, November 19, 1952. Letter to Dr. John C. Boggs, principal of the Randolph-Macon Academy. In part: "Unfortunately I personally will not be able to attend your Football Dinner on December 1st. At this particular time of the year out football business is pretty tense as you will readily agree. I understand, however, that Eddie LeBaron is coming. Eddie is extremely popular with young men…he is a hero of the Korean war as well as a football player of prominence." In fine condition.
A college football Hall of Famer, LeBaron was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1950 but, before playing a down, was called to active duty with the US Marines in Korea. Wounded twice and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat 'V' for heroism, he was discharged in 1952 and rejoined the Washington team, replacing future Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh as the starting quarterback. An interesting letter with reference to a true hero and early NFL star.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
