Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

The Cardinals are such an odd franchise in that they are the oldest, yet don't have that feel about them due to them skipping town a few times, having awful non traditional uniforms(that look early 2000s dated)...and the fact that they don't have this pedigree of great players over time or anything resembling a winning history. And yet they haven't been loveable losers (Cubs) either. They've just sort of been there...not a laughingstock for any extended stretch, but existing in this state of indifferent anonymity for long stretches. They've been more prominent on the NFL landscape since moving into that new stadium though

Overall their fan base in Arizona seems relatively small too, and they don't have any kind of reach that extends beyond state lines (though you need some kind of winning history to begin to establish that. Steelers, 49ers, Raiders, Cowboys etc)

Yeah, nepotism is really a terrible idea.
Just look what happened to the Steelers when Art Rooney let his kids take over.
And Wellington Mara's descendants sure ran that franchise into the ground.

And now Art Rooney Jr has his chance to join the HOF. Forget that Dick Haley actually ran personell or Nunn has already been enshrined, lets get another Rooney in there! The Steelers and Giants have continued a mostly winning legacy under the family name but that dont mean they need to be elected to the HOF, let others get their chance. Kraft will probably get in this year, and who knows in 30 years maybe his son or Jerry Jones son, Steven will be enshrined ...

Shouldn't the Packers owners be in by now?

Haha ... yes, elect the only owners that dont receive profit or dividends!

Jay Z wrote:Shouldn't the Packers owners be in by now?

clap... clap... clap
(brilliantly said!)

Brian wolf wrote:And now Art Rooney Jr has his chance to join the HOF. Forget that Dick Haley actually ran personell

Dick Haley wasn't involved with the organization until the mid-80's. Haley is somewhat unique in that he was terrible at his job and was universally disliked across multiple organizations.

Considering the other 'contributors' being enshrined in Canton, including Nunn, I think Rooney Jr. actually has a case for being put in the HOF.

I need to see your information Bryan, because every site I read says Haley played as much a role as anyone to the drafting and personnel success of the Steelers from 1971-1990. Art Rooney Jr had ultimate authority but even he, got in trouble with his brother Dan over communication problems with Chuck Noll in the late 80s. Thats my whole point about nepotism, sure, the sons of Art Rooney kept the team competitive and thriving but they cant hog all the credit for their success. Other people have helped as well, and with Haley, Nunn and Art Jr, Noll created a team that won 4 SBs in a 6 yr period. Though successful since, fans can get frustrated that they havent won more than the two from 2005 and 2008, yet the consistency is there.

Brian wolf wrote:I need to see your information Bryan, because every site I read says Haley played as much a role as anyone to the drafting and personnel success of the Steelers from 1971-1990. Art Rooney Jr had ultimate authority but even he, got in trouble with his brother Dan over communication problems with Chuck Noll in the late 80s. Thats my whole point about nepotism, sure, the sons of Art Rooney kept the team competitive and thriving but they cant hog all the credit for their success. Other people have helped as well, and with Haley, Nunn and Art Jr, Noll created a team that won 4 SBs in a 6 yr period. Though successful since, fans can get frustrated that they havent won more than the two from 2005 and 2008, yet the consistency is there.

Then I stand corrected, but Michael MacCambridge's book about Chuck Noll does not paint a nice picture of Haley. Also had a friend who worked with Haley and did not have nice things to say about Haley as well.

Thanks Bryan, I need to read that book but it seemed Noll could be ornery towards many people, including players and opposing players and was very begrudging about praising or talking about the players he admired. I truly wish--though evidence could be out there--that Noll would have been more candid and opinionated about players he played against, coached for and against and his views on younger players as he got older ... He probably didnt want to be candid or outgoing like John Madden or Bill Walsh but I would have loved to know those views he had. He probably would have been controversial or stirred the pot with his criticisms ...