A Short Tribute to the Origin's of Pro Football

Proud To Be Part of the History of Football

Sometimes football isn't just about being a fan; it's in your DNA. Being raised in Ohio, cold winters, lots of snow, and icy cold weather equated to a warm house and Football. Every Sunday after going to church, we watched football. Dad knew every player, all the stats and could call the plays. Of course, I didn't realize the importance of his past. He was a member of the original Minerva Merchant Farm Team, one of Ohio's best semiprofessional football teams. Thanks to the Canton Repository for bringing some of Ohio's history to life in this article "Minerva Merchants dominated semipro football in 1930's and ‘40s." (2010) His legacy lived on in his son's Dave and Ed and continued with his grandsons', Matthew and Michael playing for the Mount Union Raiders who have won 12 NCAA Division III Football championships.

We were Cleveland Browns fans, through and through. Dad would be sad for Cleveland's struggles, but I'm confident he would know the solution. He would also appreciate and respect Tom Brady's success. He would be glued to a big HD screen every Thursday and Sunday for the season. And there would not be a noisy party for Super Bowl Sunday, but instead, a warm house, Dad's comfy chair, Mom cooking up something yummy and nothing but football. 

Here's to you Dad. May you enjoy the best seat in the house from above for Super Bowl LII.