During the middle of World War II when Gordy graduated from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and was part of the Navy’s first class of frogmen (The Navy Seals today) specializing in underwater demolition. He saw action in Europe and behind the lines in the Pacific. Coming out of the Navy in 1945 Gordy enrolled in University of Minnesota...49ers Legend Gordy Soltau Passes AwayOff the field Gordy was a pioneer in advancing benefits for NFL football players. He was the first player representative for the 49ers. There were only 12 teams in the league in 1954. Many players had some issues with the owners and wanted to start a “Players Association”. The owners objected, particularly the ones from the oldest teams in the league, even threatening to cut players who participated. However, in 1954 a representative from each of the six younger teams in the league had their first meeting in Philadelphia. The teams were the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and the 49ers, represented by Gordy. Bert Bell, commissioner of the league, was invited but didn’t come. There were three major issues on the table.
- The league should establish a pension plan.
- Players should be paid for exhibition games during training.
- Team owners should provide playing shoes. In 1954 players had to furnish their own shoes...
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I first thought they were saying Berry Gordy, founder of Motown had passed. I’m unfamiliar with Gordy Soltau, but he had a very long life. No brain degenerative disorder here.Even though the players had much less head protection back then. I think the rules or the customs for tackling were different also, with less direct head-on strikes being made.
RIP.