Jimmy Conzelman

Conzelman's storied professional football career began when George Halas signed him to play for the Decatur Staleys in 1920.

In 1941, Conzelman was presented with the middleweight championship belt that he won 24 years earlier.

A remarkable orator, Jimmy is most noted for his commencement speech he delivered at the University of Dayton in 1942. The University was so impressed that they awarded him with a honorary degree.

During his second stint as head coach of the Cardinals, Conzelman took his team to champion status. The Conzelman-led Cardinals went from 1-9 in 1945 to a 9-3 record in 1947 and won the NFL Championship.

Aside from his endeavors in singing, acting and as a band leader, Jimmy was also a talented song writer.

Another example of a Conzelman original.

Jimmy portrayed the manager of the Washington Senators in the 1957 film "Damn Yankees." He is seen here receiving advice from Fred Hutchinson, the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals.

The climax to Conzelman's illustrious football career came in 1964 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

United States Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas served as Conzelman's presenter.

Conzelman (left) and Milwaukee Badgers teammate Bo McMillin posed before a game against the legendary Jim Thorpe and his Oorang Indians in 1922.

During his playing career, Jimmy played for the Decatur Staleys, Rock Island Independents, Milwaukee Badgers, Detroit Panthers, and Providence Steam Roller.

Conzelman entertains on the piano during the 1968 Hall of Fame weekend.

Jimmy Conzelman's Hall of Fame mural.

Following his retirement from professional football, Jimmy joined the D'Arcy Advertising Company in St. Louis.

Conzelman won the middleweight championship belt in 1917 while stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station.

Jimmy (left) posted a combined record of 88-64-17 over fifteen years as a head coach.

Jimmy Conzelman's Hall of Fame bust.

Also known for his writing prowess, Conzelman's article "I'd Rather Coach the Pros" won second place honors in 1946 for Best Sports Story of the Year.

The consummate coach, Jimmy gives pointers to (l-r) Charles Bidwill Jr., Jim Conzelman Jr., and Billy Bidwill.

Jimmy excelled as a multi-sport athlete; had a successful career in music and acting and was also a journalist.

As a player-coach, Conzelman (center) led the Providence Steam Roller to a 8-1-2 record in 1928 to claim the NFL Championship.

After a full decade away from professional football, Conzelman accepted the head coaching job with the Chicago Cardinals in 1940.

The 1947 Chicago Cardinals.

Jimmy Conzelman is seated in the center of the second row with his son, Jim, Jr. seated in front of him in the first row.

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