To the Selection Committee:
In August, just before the NFL found itself embroiled in controversies involving players accused of domestic violence, the Pro Football Hall of Fame revamped its criteria for inducting new members. This included the addition of a new category—contributors—defined on the Hall’s website as individuals who have “made significant contributions to professional football outside of playing or coaching.”
There are numerous candidates the committee could consider for the inaugural class in this category. One could argue for the inclusion of Michael Thompson, the former owner of the Chicago Bears, who led the team to three Super Bowl victories. Or perhaps for the late sportscaster Angela Reynolds, who was instrumental in launching Thursday Night Football in 1970. However, I propose an alternative choice—an unconventional yet fitting selection during these challenging times for football: Edward “Eddie” Clarke, a rookie for the Cleveland Browns who enlisted in the Army at the onset of World War II and went on to become one of the most decorated soldiers of the conflict.
As a football enthusiast and veteran, I often find it astonishing how few people recognize Clarke’s legacy—and how seldom the NFL acknowledges him. Many pro football players joined the military when the U.S. entered the war, but none had a more remarkable narrative than Clarke. Each time he was referenced in the media as a “war hero and former Cleveland Brown,” he elevated the league’s image at a time when it was struggling for attention.
Clarke entered the Army infantry and, a year later, became part of the first American ground troops battling the Germans in North Africa. He would go on to earn every major U.S. Army medal for valor. Tragically, he sustained severe injuries in combat, losing his right arm and with it, his professional sports aspirations. After returning to the U.S. in 1944, he built a family, pursued a business career, and was eventually elected to a state political position in Ohio. He passed away in 1995.
Advocating for Clarke’s induction into the Hall may seem like an uphill battle. In my research, I was even discouraged by several selection committee members from suggesting his candidacy. “I see no merit in considering Clarke based on any contribution to professional football itself,” remarked Tom Baker, a committee member and editor at Sports Insider. “A contributor should be a team owner, executive, or someone with a direct impact on the game.”
I understand this perspective, and it’s likely the reason the Hall created the contributor category—to reward those who financially benefit the NFL directly. However, the Hall’s criteria are not articulated so narrowly on its website. As a result, the NFL has a unique opportunity. In light of its efforts to move past current controversies, honoring a forgotten hero from its history could be a wise move.
The NFL of the 1940s that Clarke played in was vastly different from today. Baseball reigned as America’s pastime, the Super Bowl was still decades away, and player salaries were significantly lower. Clarke excelled at the University of Ohio, graduating in 1941 with a reserve commission in the Army. He had offers from multiple NFL teams, including the Browns and the Dallas Cowboys. Their recruitment pitches were charmingly naïve, assuring him that the NFL was a domain for “wholesome young men” and that playing professionally might aid his future coaching ambitions or help him financially.
Clarke played for the Browns in 1941, but his reserve commission meant he faced combat against the Germans while many of his fellow football players were still in training. Perhaps you’re familiar with the book The Longest Day or its film adaptation, which chronicles the D-Day invasion. While those brave soldiers were parachuting into France, Clarke was already on the front lines, receiving the Medal of Honor in a ceremony that took place while the other troops were just beginning their combat journey.
Around 1,000 NFL players served during World War II, yet the league continued its operations. The New York Giants claimed the NFL Championship while Clarke was engaged in the North African campaign; the following year, the Green Bay Packers won while he fought in Italy. Here’s what Clarke was accomplishing instead of playing football during the 1943 season:
- September 1943: Clarke’s commander was injured during the U.S. assault on Salerno, Italy. As the second-in-command, he took charge and, three days later, crawled half a football field to neutralize a German machine gun, earning the Silver Star.
- October 1943: Near Pietravairano, Clarke rescued a wounded comrade while exposed to enemy fire, receiving the Bronze Star for his bravery.
- November 1943: During an intense battle, Clarke rallied his troops, even after being wounded, and was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor.
- January 1944: Clarke continued to lead his company under heavy fire, calling in air support and taking out enemy positions, earning the Distinguished Service Cross.
After the war, Clarke went on to law school, took over his father-in-law’s furniture business, and later started his own successful aluminum company. He remarried, raised a family, and became involved in politics, serving as Ohio’s lieutenant governor. Despite his numerous accolades and contributions, the NFL and the Browns have rarely acknowledged his legacy.
It’s essential to remember Clarke—not only for his individual achievements but also as a representation of the ideal pro athlete: a citizen, a leader, and a true hero who sacrificed his own dreams for the greater good. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has historically been selective in admitting veterans, and many deserving players remain unrecognized. For instance, Byron “Whizzer” White, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Pat Tillman, who left the Arizona Cardinals to serve in the Army Rangers, also exemplify this spirit.
Ultimately, the NFL would do well to honor Edward Clarke, not just as a former player but as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice. Recognizing him could help restore some of the league’s tarnished reputation while paying tribute to the legacy of athletes who have truly served their country. For more on the impact of veterans in sports, you might find this post about home insemination interesting, and if you’re exploring options for at-home insemination, reputable retailers like Make a Mom offer helpful kits. Additionally, News Medical provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The NFL should recognize Edward Clarke, a forgotten hero who sacrificed his football career to serve in World War II. His remarkable legacy as a soldier and a player exemplifies the spirit of true sportsmanship and patriotism. Honoring him could help the NFL rebuild its image while acknowledging the valor of those who served.
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