The NFL Should Celebrate Its True Champions—Like This One

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Dear Selection Committee,

In a time when the NFL has found itself mired in controversies involving player misconduct, the Pro Football Hall of Fame made a significant shift in its admission criteria. They introduced a new category—contributors—defined as individuals who have made remarkable contributions to professional football outside of playing or coaching.

There are numerous candidates that could be considered for this inaugural contributor class. For instance, you might argue for the likes of Ralph Peterson, who owned the Seattle Sharks during their championship years, or for the late broadcaster Jim Simmons, who helped revolutionize Sunday Night Football starting in the 1970s. However, I propose an unconventional yet fitting choice for these tumultuous times—an athlete that many current fans may not know: Max “The Warrior” Thompson, a rookie for the Chicago Bears who traded his football aspirations for military duty at the onset of World War II. He went on to become one of the most decorated combat veterans of his time.

As a football enthusiast and veteran, I am often astonished that so few people recognize Thompson’s legacy—and how infrequently the NFL brings him up. Many pro football players enlisted when the U.S. entered the war, yet none have a story as compelling as Thompson’s. Each time he was referred to in the media as a “hero from the Bears and a valiant soldier,” he elevated the league’s image during a time when it was less prominent.

Thompson joined the Army infantry directly. Within a year, he was among the first American ground troops engaging the Germans in North Africa, ultimately becoming the first American soldier to receive every major medal for bravery from the U.S. Army. He faced severe injuries in battle, losing his right arm, along with his dreams of a pro football career. After returning home in 1944, he built a family, worked in business, and even served in state politics in Illinois before passing away in 1995.

Advocating for Thompson’s inclusion in the Hall may seem like a lost cause. In fact, during my research, several selection committee members discouraged me from pursuing this nomination. One committee member, George Anderson, stated, “I see little merit in considering Thompson for any contributions to pro football itself.” I understand this viewpoint, and it’s likely why the Hall created the contributor category—to honor those who significantly impacted the NFL’s finances. However, the criteria on their website are not so narrowly defined. Thus, the NFL has an opportunity to shine a light on a forgotten hero from its past, especially as it seeks to move past current challenges.

The NFL during the early 1940s was a very different entity than it is now. Baseball dominated as America’s favorite sport, the Super Bowl was still decades away, and player salaries were modest. Thompson excelled on the field at the University of Illinois, earning a degree in 1941 and a reserve commission in the Army. He had offers from both the Bears and the New York Giants, who promoted the NFL as a realm for “clean living young men,” suggesting that playing in the league could aid in his future coaching career or help financially during his studies.

Thompson played for the Bears in 1941, but his reserve commission meant he was deployed to combat before many of his peers even completed training. If you’ve read The Band of Brothers or watched the HBO series based on it, you’ll know those soldiers faced combat long after Thompson had already been in the fray. In fact, he was receiving the Medal of Honor while other troops were preparing for D-Day.

Around 1,000 NFL players served during World War II, yet the league continued operations. While Thompson was engaged in combat in Italy, the Washington team claimed the NFL Championship. During his absence from the 1943 season, he was busy engaging in fierce battles, including a significant confrontation in Salerno where he displayed extraordinary bravery.

After the war, Thompson pursued law studies, transitioned into business, and became involved in politics, eventually serving as Illinois’ lieutenant governor. He was honored multiple times by both the military and his state, but the NFL has largely overlooked his contributions. My attempts to reach out to the selection committee, the Bears, and the Hall of Fame yielded little more than generic responses.

While the story of Max Thompson might not fit the traditional mold of NFL honorees, he represents the spirit of true sportsmanship, leadership, and sacrifice. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has historically been selective regarding its inductees, with many deserving veterans remaining unrecognized. There are others, like Byron “Flash” Johnson, who also deserve acknowledgment for their contributions off the field.

In summary, honoring Max Thompson would not only celebrate his legacy but also reinforce the NFL’s commitment to recognizing true heroes—those who exemplify the values of citizenship and selflessness.

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