#hay4hall

...who've written letters and emails nominating Ralph for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame!   Here'a a sampling of some of the emails we've received: 

"Mr. Hay belongs in the Pro Football of Fame, not just to recognize his genius, energy, effort and financial support of professional football, but for his imagination, vision, creativity and resolve to make the NFL happen.  He organized and chaired the historic meeting on September 17, 1920, in his Hupmobile showroom where Hay, Halas and other owners sat on fenders and running boards and gave birth to the NFL.  The Professional Football Hall of Fame is in Canton because of this birth." - Mary Stuckey

"After reading about Ralph Hay, I truly feel that he should be inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame. Where would the NFL be without him?" - Melissa Hooser

"It seems an injustice to see Ralph Hay, an original founder of professional football not be a member of the HOF as a significant contributor.  Considering he called the meeting of owners to form a league and hosted the meeting in his Hupmobile dealership in Canton, there are few who influenced the organization of professional football more than Mr. Hay. Understanding the need for a "big name" to draw attention to the league, he had his star player, Jim Thorpe, as President of the league rather than himself.  His motivation was due to his passion for the sport and to ensure success of the fledgling league, with no personal benefit to himself.  Who could have imagined what his and the other pioneers' vision would have become.  As time continues to pass, the opportunity for his induction will diminish.  It is time now to consider Ralph Hay for induction into the HOF, as one of the "fathers of professional football." - Thomas Paumier, DDS

The National Football League has, since its creation, grown to become the most popular and widely followed spectator sport in the United States. Millions of fans now cheer for “their” team, and lost games have been known to bring tears to the eyes of grown men. None of this would have been possible without the vision and drive of a man who today is all but unknown even among the most obsessed football fans. That man is Ralph E. Hay.