Man, this REALLY ought to be in the History Forum.
Anyway, Bert Bell didn't exactly "step down", he DIED. So most of the NFL meetings were taken up with the issue of deciding a new commissioner. It wasn't until Rozelle (a compromise candidate) was elected that the owners were able to turn their attention to the issue of expansion.
The Cowboys weren't competing against the Vikings for talent in 1960 -- the Vikings didn't start play until 1961 and yes, they did have the benefit of that year's college draft and overall #1 pick.
As noted, the reason the Cowboys picked so late in the first round is because they traded their original first round pick to the Redskins for the rights to (the then retired) Eddie LeBaron, who had moved to Texas to start a law practice.
Earlier in the thread, someone mentioned the Redskins were no threat in the early 60s -- that's not exactly true. From 1960 to 1962, we were 1-2-2 against the Redskins. We split with the 'Skins every year from 1963-1967. It wasn't until 1968 that we really got their number, when we ran off six straight wins (a string the 'Skins finally broke in 1971).
Re: Murchison and the '52 Texans: there are two different stories about why Murchison's bid for the Texans failed. According to Garry Stratton & Robert Krug, Murchison was out of the country and thus unable to buy the franchise when the opportunity arose. Peter Golenbock gives a different reason: he claims Murchison sought a 24-hour extension to examine the books of the franchise. When Commissioner Bert Bell refused, Murchison backed out and the franchise was awarded to Rosenbloom.
Re: GP Marshall and the Colts' proximity: note that the 1953 Baltimore Colts formed by the move of the Texans' franchise was not the first time the Redskins faced such competition. When the AAFC merged with the NFL in 1950, three AAFC teams joined the NFL: the Cleveland Browns, the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Colts. Those Colts existed from 1947 to 1950. They were not the precursor to the 1953 Colts, who now operate in Indianapolis. Apparently GP Marshall's concerns about a team in Baltimore were not enough for the rest of the NFL to preclude the AAFC Colts from joining the league in the merger.
I really enjoy these history threads -- thanx Hostile. I'm looking forward to your book. What's the status on the book, by the way?
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