In 1941, in the midst of a war in Europe, the NFL was just turning 20 years old and New York was celebrating one of its most illustrious players to date. What nobody expected is that said celebration arrived December 7, one of the dates that marked the modern history of the United States.
80 years ago, the NFL celebrated the last day of an 11-day season and in the duel between the defunct Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants, held at the now-defunct Polo Grounds, the “G-Men” recognized the career of Tuffy Leemans in a ceremony which awarded the running back a silver platter and $ 1,500 in Defense Department bonds.
While the Dodgers and Giants fought in the “Big Apple”, the radio broadcast of the meeting was interrupted to report that the naval base located in Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese army forces (member of the belligerent forces in favor of the Nazi regime).
The game between Brooklyn and New York was just one of three games the NFL held at noon. (Eastern Time). At 12:55 pm, the time of the attack in Hawaii, the duel between the Chicago franchises (Cardinals and Bears), as well as an NFC East classic (Eagles vs. Washington) were also being played.
Leemans, a tainted celebration
Tuffy leemans He was in his sixth season as a professional, all with the Giants. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the running back tried to enlist in the armed forces but he was turned away for hearing problems resulting from a concussion and poor vision.
During nine campaigns as a professional, the George Washington University product accumulated 3,132 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, He was champion in 1938, received two Pro Bowl invitations, two first-team All-Pro designations, was inducted into the Giants Ring of Honor, and He has been a member of the Hall of Fame since 1978.
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The NFL and its relationship to Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day