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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reportedly said Thursday during a reception at the Bank of America that he believes President Teddy Roosevelt will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year, according to the New York Post.
“Roger Goodell was at the White House in the Oval Office. I was fortunate to be with him there, because we, the National Park Service, control the National Mall,” Burgum said, according to the outlet.
“The NFL Draft will be at the Mall in a year, (and) the Capitol will be in the background.
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“Keep this a secret. Cross your fingers, but I think we’re going to see Theodore Roosevelt inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. … It will be announced on the mall when Roger Goodell conducts the draft.”
PK Press Club Digital has reached out to the secretary, the White House and the NFL for comment.
US President Theodore Roosevelt in his office in Washington, DC, February 10, 1903. (Historical Archives/Universal Images Group)
Teddy Roosevelt is credited with saving football in 1905-1906 by forcing college leaders to reform the rules of the game after frequent injury-related deaths of players.
The reforms led to the creation of the forward pass and the banning of dangerous formations.
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Fans after a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Detroit Lions at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (Scott Galvin/Imagn Images)
The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2027 is led by eligible first-year legends Rob Gronkowski, Adrian Peterson and Ben Roethlisberger. Bill Belichick and Eli Manning are also candidates after missing the first round of voting.
