Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded to Gold Jackets Alan Page and Roger Staubach

Two members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, ALAN PAGE and ROGER STAUBACH, will be among seven American icons to receive the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump during a ceremony at The White House on Friday, November 16.

Pro Football Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker, who will be among the invited guests for Friday’s event, said, “Alan Page and Roger Staubach not only had Hall of Fame careers but Hall of Fame lives. This prestigious honor of being bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes these two heroes of the Game for the impact they have made, off the field, on our society. Alan Page and Roger Staubach exemplify the values learned from competing in this country’s favorite sport and used them as a foundation for living virtuous lives. They are more than sports heroes, Alan and Roger are great men of honor and nobility and lead lives that serve as inspiration to all fellow Americans.”

Page starred at defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings famous “Purple People Eaters” defensive line after the team drafted him in the first round out of Notre Dame in 1967. He was twice named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year and amassed 173 sacks during his career with the Vikings (1967-1978) and Chicago Bears (1978-1981). Page, who was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988, accomplished great feats off the field as an accomplished jurist and philanthropist.

“It is an honor to have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But as I have said on a number of occasions in the past, I’m never quite sure that I am worthy of such recognition,” Page commented. “When I look at the list of the Medal’s previous recipients, I ask myself, how did my name come to be included with icons of the civil rights movement like Rosa Parks or people like Dr. Robert Coles who spent his life documenting the effects of poverty on children? I conclude the honor is not really about me.”

He also shared, “It is about trying to fight invidious discrimination in all of its forms and treating people fairly, without regard to their immutable characteristics. It is about creating hope and opportunity for a better tomorrow for everyone. It is also about leading an intentional life.” Read full comments by Alan Page>>>

Staubach, the Hall of Fame quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, began his Hall of Fame career after winning the Heisman Trophy at Navy and a four-year Navy service, played 11 seasons with Dallas (1969-1979). He led the franchise to two Super Bowls and retired as the game’s all-time passer rating leader after he threw for 22,700 yards and 153 touchdowns. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1985. Staubach built a successful real estate company after leaving the game.

“I am honored, blessed and humbled to be considered by the President for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and be part of such a distinguished group, including my Hall of Famer teammate, Alan Page,” Staubach stated. “I want to thank my wife Marianne and my family, life teammates, the Navy, the Cowboys, the fans, my business associates and so many others that have guided and supported me. You are why I am in the receiving line. I thank God every day that we live in a country where freedom is given to all and protected for all to have.”

Other Presidential Award of Freedom recipients:

George Herman “Babe” Ruth, Jr. who set records that stood for decades, including 714 home runs, 2,873 hits, 2,174 runs, and 2,062 walks—and he remains unmatched with a .690 slugging percentage. Miriam Adelson is a committed doctor, philanthropist, and humanitarian. Senator Orrin Hatch is one of the longest serving Senators in American history, having represented Utah for more than 41 years. Antonin Scalia was one of the greatest Supreme Court justices in American history, confirmed unanimously in 1986. Elvis Presley who defined American culture to billions of adoring fans around the world.

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