From: Ange Coniglio
Hello, AFL fans, former AFL players, and friends:
I am making a final effort to have Pro Football recognize the American Football League in 2009, which would have been the league's 50th season. I say "final" because some of the things I suggest, like patches, throwback uniforms, and game scheduling usually require league approval at least two years before they are implemented. If there's to be a reunion of players, planning for that, too, should be started at least two years prior.
I am asking you to write some letters: real, snail-mail, 41-cent stamped US Postal Service-carried letters, to certain people who may be able to get the AFL the recognition it deserves. I ask you to write to the following people in your own words, urging them to support and help implement the following, to "Celebrate the AFL" in 2009:
* The wearing of a commemorative American Football League patch by all players on all former AFL teams for the entire 2009 season.
* Scheduling one Sunday in 2009 so that on that one day, (AFL Sunday) each former AFL team plays another former AFL team, both wearing throwback AFL uniforms.
* Referees at AFL games on "AFL Sunday" wear the AFL's red-striped uniforms.
* A reunion be arranged of all those who played in, coached in, owned, or worked for an AFL team, and at least part of it be open to the public (that is, to AFL fans).
* Fields of former AFL teams be decorated with the team's original AFL logo, and the American Football League logo.
You can suggest to those you write to that AFL fans would likely purchase a lot of AFL throwback memorabilia (pennants, patches, jerseys, hats, etc.), if it were available. You can also describe your pleasure with the Chiefs' use of an AFL patch in 2007 (See http://www.remembertheafl.com/LamarHunt.htm#HuntTribute). I show the addresses of owners of three former AFL teams, who I believe would support this idea.
Those of you who have websites, I urge you to ask your readers to write letters as well.
Please write to:
Clark Hunt, Chairman, Kansas City Chiefs
One Arrowhead Drive
Kansas City, MO 64129
Al Davis, President of the General Partner (really, that's his title!)
1220 Harbor Bay Parkway
Alameda, CA 94502
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., President, Buffalo Bills
One Bills Drive
Orchard Park, NY 14127
Also write to:
Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Please also send a copy of one of your letters to the Sports Editor of your local newspaper. If enough AFL fans, some AFL players and some AFL HALL OF FAMERS would write these letters, I believe the AFL might finally get the credit it has been due for almost fifty years.
Thanks,
Ange Coniglio
