Joe Carr, former NFL Commissioner (1922-1939). (Pro Football Hall of Fame)

Joe Carr, center, president of the National Professional Football League, had good reason to smile in Chicago on Feb. 9, 1939, for owners of league clubs re-elected him head of the circuit for a 10-year term. With the white-haired executive are George P. Marshall, left, owner of the Washington team, and Dan P. Topping, head of the Brooklyn football Dodgers. (Associated Press)

Joe Carr, 58, President of the National Football League, 1939. (Associated Press)

The Ed Thorp memorial trophy is shown here as it was presented to the N.V. football giants, winners of the professional championship on Dec. 10, 1934 in New York City during the mid-winter meeting of the National Football League officials and coaches. Shown here at the ceremony, from left to right in the front row, are Carl Storck (head showing); George Halas; Joe F. Carr, president of the league, and John V. Mara, president of the Giants. In the second row are Larry Doyle (behind car) and T.J. Mara (behind trophy).In rear, left to right, are Bert Bell, George Marshall, Lud Wray and Dennis Shea. (Associated Press)