Bert Bell
Inducted:
1963
Player Stats
Born:
February 25, 1895
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
October 11, 1959
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Team owner / Founder
Coach
NFL Commissioner
College:
NA
Bert Bell was a transformative figure in NFL history, serving as commissioner from 1946 until his death in 1959. Before that, he co-founded the Philadelphia Eagles and later owned the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bell's tenure as commissioner was marked by significant innovations that shaped the modern NFL. He introduced the NFL Draft in 1936 to promote competitive balance among teams. Under his leadership, the league merged with the All-America Football Conference, expanded its television presence, and implemented policies to combat gambling and corruption.
Bell also recognized the NFL Players Association and established the Pro Bowl.
His contributions were honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
Bell's Awards and Records
- Established the NFL Draft to ensure competitive balance
- Merged the NFL with the All-America Football Conference
- Expanded NFL's television presence and introduced night games
- Implemented policies to combat gambling and corruption
- Recognized the NFL Players Association
- Established the Pro Bowl
- Instituted revenue-sharing among teams
- Coined the phrase "On any given Sunday, any team can beat any other team"
NFL Teams
Penn (1920–1928)
Assistant coach
Temple (1930–1932)
Assistant coach
Philadelphia Eagles (1936–1940)
Head coach
Pittsburgh Steelers (1941)
Head coach
Philadelphia Eagles (1933–1935)
Owner
Philadelphia Eagles (1936–1940)
Owner, president & general manager
Pittsburgh Steelers (1940–1946)
Co-owner
NFL Commissioner:
Election, Hapes-Filchock, and the NFL schedule (1946–1948)
AAFC–NFL merger (1948–1950)
Marketing of the NFL (1950–1956)
Compromise with the NFLPA (1956–1957)
Coaching Records:
Total Games:
58
Wins:
10
Losses:
46
Ties:
2
Winning Percentage: .
.190