Alexis Thompson facts for kids

Alexis Thompson (born May 20, 1911 – died December 20, 1954) was an important person in the early days of the National Football League (NFL). He owned several NFL teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and a special team called the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Steagles. Before he became a team owner, he was a talented field hockey player. He even played for the United States team in the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Thompson was born in Chicago, Illinois. He went to Yale University. His grandfather, also named Alexis Thompson, started a big company called Republic Iron and Steel. When Alexis's father, David Thompson, passed away in 1929, young Alexis inherited a lot of money. He also served in the U.S. Army as a corporal. Thompson was a smart businessman who earned even more money by selling eye care products.

How He Became an NFL Owner

In December 1940, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Art Rooney, sold his team to 28-year-old Alexis Thompson for $160,000. Rooney then used half of that money to buy part of the Philadelphia Eagles team.

The Team Swap

After the sale, both owners had second thoughts. So, before the 1941 football season began, they decided to swap cities! This meant the Steelers team moved to Philadelphia and became the Philadelphia Eagles. At the same time, the Eagles team moved to Pittsburgh and became the Pittsburgh Steelers. As part of this unique deal, many players were also traded so they could continue playing in their original cities.

Selling the Eagles

In 1948, the Philadelphia Eagles won their first NFL championship. This happened in a big snowstorm! A few weeks later, on January 15, 1949, Thompson sold the team. He sold it to a group of investors known as the "Happy Hundred" for $250,000.

Later Life

Alexis Thompson passed away on December 20, 1954, at the age of 43. He was found in his apartment in Englewood, New Jersey. He died from what appeared to be a heart attack.