Jimmy Conzelman

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

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Another example of a Conzelman original.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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Jimmy Conzelman's Hall of Fame mural.

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

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Photo courtesy of Jim Conzelman, Jr.

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

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Photo courtesy of Jim Conzelman, Jr.

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

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Jimmy Conzelman's Hall of Fame bust.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Jim Conzelman, Jr.

The 1947 Chicago Cardinals. <p>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.