To the Selection Committee:
In August, shortly before the NFL faced a wave of controversies involving players and their off-field behaviors, the Pro Football Hall of Fame introduced a new category for inductees: contributors. This category recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to professional football beyond playing or coaching.
There are numerous worthy candidates for this inaugural class. One could argue for the inclusion of figures like George Johnson, the owner of a successful franchise, or the late sports commentator, Mike O’Connor, who played a pivotal role in popularizing televised football. However, I propose a different choice—one that may be unconventional yet profoundly relevant during these challenging times for the league: Maurice “Footsie” Britt, a rookie with the Detroit Lions who traded his football career for military service at the onset of World War II and later became one of the most decorated soldiers of the conflict.
As a football enthusiast and veteran, I continually find it astonishing how few people recognize Britt’s legacy, and how infrequently the NFL acknowledges him. When the U.S. entered the war, many pro football players enlisted, but Britt’s journey stands out as particularly inspiring. Each time he was referred to as a war hero, an “ex-Detroit Lion,” and an “Arkansas Razorback,” he elevated the league’s reputation during a time when it wasn’t the main focus of public interest.
Britt enlisted directly into the Army infantry. Within a year, he found himself among the first American troops deployed to fight the Germans in North Africa. He ultimately became the first American soldier to receive every major U.S. Army medal for bravery. Tragically, he sustained severe injuries in combat, which resulted in the loss of his right arm, ending his aspirations of a professional athletic career. Returning home in 1944, he built a family, embarked on a business career, and eventually entered politics, passing away in 1995.
Advocating for Britt’s induction into the Hall may seem like a far-fetched endeavor. During my research, several committee members discouraged me from pursuing this idea. Frank Cooney, a committee member, expressed his skepticism by stating he saw no merit in considering Britt based on contributions to professional football itself. He emphasized that contributors are typically those who directly impact the league’s finances or operations.
While I understand this perspective, it appears that the Hall of Fame’s criteria aren’t strictly defined in a way that excludes exceptional figures like Britt. In light of the NFL’s ongoing struggles, honoring a forgotten hero from its past could be a powerful move.
The NFL landscape during Britt’s time was vastly different. In the early 1940s, baseball held the title of America’s pastime, and the Super Bowl was still decades away. Players earned modest salaries compared to today’s standards. Britt, who excelled at the University of Arkansas, graduated in 1941 with a reserve commission in the Army, attracting interest from the Lions and the New York Giants. The recruitment pitches of that era, while endearing, seem quaint today, assuring Britt that the NFL was a haven for “clean living young men.”
Britt played for the Lions in 1941, but his reserve commission meant he engaged in combat while many of his peers were still in training. For instance, while the soldiers of Easy Company, as depicted in Band of Brothers, were just beginning their combat journey, Britt was already in the thick of battle. He was awarded the Medal of Honor while standing on a football field in Arkansas, just as those paratroopers prepared for D-Day.
Approximately 1,000 NFL players served in World War II, yet the league continued its operations. For instance, while Britt was participating in the invasion of Africa, the Washington team claimed the NFL Championship. Britt’s wartime actions were remarkable. In September 1943, as his commander was injured during an assault, he assumed leadership and bravely neutralized a German machine gun nest, earning the Silver Star. His courage continued, as he risked his own life multiple times to save fellow soldiers and led his unit in fierce battles, culminating in the receipt of the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery.
After the war, Britt transitioned to civilian life, working in various careers, including a stint in politics as the lieutenant governor of Arkansas. He faced numerous challenges due to his disabilities but remained a beloved figure, receiving accolades from the military and his home state. Yet, his connection to the NFL remains largely unrecognized. I reached out to the Lions and the Hall of Fame, but responses were minimal. Even a prominent sports blogger in Detroit admitted he had never heard of Britt.
When discussing NFL veterans who served their country, figures like Pat Tillman and Rocky Bleier come to mind. However, Britt deserves to be honored not just for his service, but as a representation of the noble character pro athletes can embody—individuals who sacrifice personal dreams for the greater good.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has been selective in its inductees, and many deserving veterans remain overlooked for their contributions off the field. For instance, Byron “Whizzer” White, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is another deserving candidate.
Ultimately, honoring Maurice Britt would not only be a fitting tribute to a forgotten hero but also a powerful reminder of the true spirit of sportsmanship and sacrifice that the NFL can embrace.
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Summary
Maurice “Footsie” Britt, a Detroit Lions rookie who became a decorated war hero during World War II, exemplifies the true spirit of sacrifice and heroism. As the NFL faces challenges, recognizing Britt would honor an extraordinary individual whose legacy transcends the game, highlighting the admirable qualities of athletes as citizens and leaders.