American sports executive
American sports executive
American sports executive and founding owner in professional American football.
Ole Haugsrud (1900–1976) was a pioneering sports executive who played a key role in early professional American football. He purchased the Duluth Eskimos in 1923 and later secured the rights to the Minnesota franchise that became the Vikings. Haugsrud's business acumen helped stabilize the fledgling league during its formative years. He served as a team executive and advocate for player welfare. Haugsrud's legacy lives on in the NFL and through the longstanding connection between Duluth and Minnesota football.
1976
Ole Haugsrud
Scottish footballer
Scottish footballer
Legendary Scottish winger and member of Celtic's 'Lisbon Lions' who won the 1967 European Cup.
Born in 1944 in Viewpark, Scotland, Jimmy Johnstone earned the nickname 'Jinky' for his dazzling dribbling skills. He joined Celtic in 1962 and quickly became a fan favorite with his pace and creativity on the wing. As a key member of the 'Lisbon Lions,' he helped Celtic win the European Cup in 1967, becoming the first British team to do so. Johnstone earned 23 caps for Scotland and scored memorable goals at both club and international level. After retiring, he remained a beloved figure in Scottish football, celebrated for his flair and sportsmanship.
Jimmy Johnstone
American wrestler and manager
American wrestler and manager
American professional wrestler and manager, one of WWE's inaugural Hall of Fame inductees.
Born in 1925 in Coeymans, New York, Arnold Skaaland earned the nickname 'The Golden Boy' during his early wrestling career. He captured multiple tag team championships in the WWWF before transitioning into a successful managerial role. As a manager, Skaaland guided stars like Bob Backlund and Bruno Sammartino to championship success in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1994, he was one of the first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions. His decades of work in and out of the ring made him a respected figure in professional wrestling. He passed away in 2007, leaving behind a storied legacy.
2007
Arnold Skaaland
Canadian-American ice hockey player
Canadian-American ice hockey player
Canadian-American ice hockey star and member of the famed 'French Connection' line with the Buffalo Sabres.
Born in 1951 in Verdun, Quebec, Rick Martin emerged as a top left winger in junior hockey before joining the NHL. He debuted with the Buffalo Sabres in 1971 and quickly formed the 'French Connection' line with Gilbert Perreault and René Robert. Martin led the Sabres to their first Stanley Cup Finals in 1975 and earned multiple NHL All-Star selections with his powerful shot. He scored 44 goals in both the 1974-75 and 1977-78 seasons, cementing his reputation as a prolific scorer. Although his career was hampered by injuries and personal challenges, he remained a beloved figure in Buffalo's hockey history. Martin passed away in 2011 from cancer, remembered for his passion and talent on the ice.
2011
Rick Martin
American baseball player and manager
American baseball player and manager
American Major League Baseball third baseman and manager, four-time All-Star and 1953 American League MVP.
Born in 1924, Al Rosen excelled as a power hitter for the Cleveland Indians during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
He earned four All-Star selections and led the American League in home runs and RBIs multiple times.
In 1953, Rosen captured the AL MVP award after a standout season with 43 home runs and 145 RBIs.
After retiring as a player, he served as a front-office executive and briefly managed in Major League Baseball.
Rosen's leadership extended off the field, where he navigated challenges as one of the first Jewish executives in the sport.
He passed away in 2015, remembered for his impact both on and off the diamond.
2015
Al Rosen
American professional boxer
American professional boxer
Legendary American middleweight boxing champion known for his fierce fighting style and historic title defenses.
Born in 1954, Marvin Hagler became one of boxing's greatest middleweight champions, reigning from 1980 to 1987.
Nicknamed 'Marvelous', he defended his title 12 times, including epic bouts against Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Known for his granite chin, relentless aggression, and tactical skill, he dominated the division.
Hagler's 1985 trilogy fight with Hearns is celebrated as one of the sport's most thrilling encounters.
After retiring, he pursued acting and briefly worked as a boxing commentator, remaining connected to the sport.
He passed away in 2021, leaving a legacy as a tough, respected hall-of-famer.
2021
Marvelous Marvin Hagler