This week in North Central West Virginia history.
Died August 9, 1969, at age 72
George Preston Marshall died on August 9, 1969, at age 72. He was born in Grafton, West Virginia, in 1896. He became an NFL team founder and owner. In 1932, he helped start a franchise in Boston. He later moved it to Washington, D.C. Marshall ran the team until his death. He was known for promoting pageantry and entertainment at games. He also resisted integration in football for decades. The team signed its first Black player only in 1962. Marshall was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963. His business style helped shape the NFL’s modern image. Though controversial, his influence remained strong after his death. His story began in Grafton and extended into NFL history.
