Teddy Roosevelt to be Inducted into Football Hall of Fame

Trump Official Cites Former President's Role in Saving the Sport

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:58am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting overlapping planes and shapes representing Teddy Roosevelt and the early 20th century game of football, conveying the conceptual importance of his advocacy and reforms.A cubist interpretation of Teddy Roosevelt's pivotal role in shaping the early days of American football.Washington Today

US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has announced that former President Teddy Roosevelt will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year. Burgum cited Roosevelt's pivotal role in saving football from extinction over a century ago.

Why it matters

Teddy Roosevelt is widely regarded as one of the most influential US presidents, but his impact on the sport of football is lesser known. This induction would recognize his crucial efforts in the early 20th century to reform and preserve the game, which was facing extinction due to concerns over player safety and violence.

The details

According to Burgum, he had the chance to discuss Roosevelt's football legacy with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the Oval Office, as the National Park Service controls the National Mall where many football events are held. Burgum believes Roosevelt's leadership in convening stakeholders and pushing for rule changes to improve player safety helped save the sport from being banned.

  • Teddy Roosevelt served as the 26th US President from 1901 to 1909.

The players

Teddy Roosevelt

The 26th President of the United States, who is credited with helping save the sport of football in the early 20th century through his reform efforts.

Doug Burgum

The current US Secretary of the Interior, who is pushing for Teddy Roosevelt's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Roger Goodell

The current Commissioner of the National Football League.

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What they’re saying

“Roger Goodell was in the White House in the Oval Office, I had a chance to be with him there, because we, the National Park Service, control the National Mall.”

— Doug Burgum, US Secretary of the Interior

What’s next

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will consider Teddy Roosevelt's induction at their annual selection meeting next year.

The takeaway

Teddy Roosevelt's legacy as a champion of football reform and preservation is often overlooked, but this potential Hall of Fame induction would cement his important role in shaping the modern game.