George Preston Marshall: The Innovator and Controversial Owner of the Redskins
George Preston Marshall was a man of contradictions: a visionary who transformed the National Football League (NFL) into a modern entertainment spectacle, yet a stubborn traditionalist whose racial views left a lasting stain on his legacy. From his early days in the laundry business to his tenure as a powerhouse NFL owner, Marshall's influence on the game was profound and multifaceted.
Early Life and Business Ventures
Before entering the world of professional sports, Marshall explored the arts as a theater extra. This pursuit was interrupted in 1918 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War I. Although he was not deployed abroad, he served until his discharge in December 1918. Following the death of his father in 1919, Marshall transitioned into business, managing a two-store laundry operation. His entrepreneurial spirit extended to sports early on; in 1926, he financed the Washington Palace Five basketball team, though the venture folded by 1928.
The Birth and Evolution of a Franchise
In 1932, Marshall and three partners were awarded an NFL franchise for Boston. Initially named the Boston Braves—sharing a field with the baseball team of the same name—the team struggled financially. After a $46,000 loss in the first season, Marshall's partners sold their interests, leaving him as the sole owner.
By 1933, Marshall moved the team to Fenway Park, sharing the venue with the Boston Red Sox. Under the guidance of coach "Lone Star" William Henry Dietz, who claimed Sioux heritage, the team was renamed the Redskins. Marshall chose this name specifically to retain the team's Native American logos.
Despite winning the Eastern division in 1936, the team suffered from a lack of local fan support. Marshall took the bold step of moving the 1936 NFL Championship Game from Boston to the Polo Grounds in New York City. Shortly thereafter, for the 1937 season, he relocated the entire franchise to Washington, D.C.
Revolutionizing the NFL Experience
Marshall viewed professional football not merely as a sport, but as a form of entertainment. At a time when college football eclipsed the NFL in popularity, he integrated collegiate traditions into the pro game, introducing marching bands, gala halftime shows, and the fight song "Hail to the Redskins."
His influence extended to the very rules of the game. Collaborating with George Halas of the Chicago Bears, Marshall successfully advocated for allowing the forward pass to be thrown from anywhere behind the line of scrimmage, removing the previous five-yard minimum requirement. He also pushed to move goal posts from the end line to the goal line—a practice borrowed from Canadian football—to encourage more field goals. This rule remained until the mid-1970s.
Beyond the field, Marshall standardized the league's operations. He pushed for uniform schedules, the creation of divisions leading to a championship game, and a structured split of gate receipts between home and visiting teams (either a 60–40 split or a guaranteed minimum).
Business Acumen and Media Foresight
Marshall's business instincts were sharp. In 1946, he sold his laundry business, which had expanded to 57 locations. In the 1950s, he became the first NFL owner to embrace television, initiating the league's first network appearances and building a dedicated network to broadcast games across the Southern United States.
Key Facts
- Franchise Relocation: Moved the team from Boston to Washington, D.C. in 1937.
- Rule Innovations: Helped implement the unrestricted forward pass and moved goal posts to the goal line.
- Entertainment: Introduced halftime shows and marching bands to the NFL.
- Media Pioneer: First NFL owner to establish a television network for team broadcasts.
- Financial Style: Known for extreme frugality regarding player salaries and travel.
| Year | Event/Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Acquired Boston NFL franchise | Established the foundation of the Redskins |
| 1937 | Relocated team to Washington, D.C. | Created the southernmost NFL team of the era |
| 1930s | Rule changes (Forward pass/Goal posts) | Increased scoring and offensive dynamism |
| 1950s | Embraced Television | Expanded NFL reach via network broadcasts |
| 1962 | Signed Bobby Mitchell | Ended the team's era of racial segregation |
Racial Views and the Fight for Integration
Despite his innovations, Marshall is remembered for his fierce opposition to racial integration. He promoted a "gentleman's agreement" among NFL owners to avoid signing Black players. Marshall argued that integrating his team would alienate fans in the Southern U.S., famously stating, "We'll start signing Negroes when the Harlem Globetrotters start signing whites."
This stance led to a public feud with Washington Post columnist Shirley Povich, who labeled Marshall a "leading bigot." Marshall attempted to sue Povich for $200,000 following a critical article, but the effort was unsuccessful.
The deadlock ended in 1961 when U.S. Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy issued an ultimatum: integrate the team or lose the 30-year lease on D.C. Stadium, which sat on federal land. In the 1962 draft, Marshall selected Ernie Davis, but after Davis refused to play for the team, Marshall traded for All-Pro Bobby Mitchell. Mitchell became the first Black player for the Redskins, and Marshall subsequently became an enthusiastic supporter of him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did George Preston Marshall move the team to Washington, D.C.?
Despite winning the Eastern division in 1936, Marshall felt there was a lack of support from fans in Boston, prompting the move for the 1937 season.
How did Marshall change the rules of football?
He successfully suggested allowing the forward pass from anywhere behind the line of scrimmage and moved the goal posts to the goal line to encourage more field goals.
What was the "gentleman's agreement" mentioned in the text?
It was an informal agreement promoted by Marshall and other NFL owners to refrain from signing Black players, which lasted until 1946 for most of the league.
Who was the first Black player to play for the Redskins?
Bobby Mitchell became the first Black player for the team after being acquired via a trade involving Ernie Davis in 1962.
How did the U.S. government force the Redskins to integrate?
Secretary Stewart Udall and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy threatened to revoke the team's lease on D.C. Stadium, which was located on federal land, unless Marshall signed a Black player.