Wonder what America's sports culture would be like if we didn't have the NFL? Well, one things for sure...today would be a different day, probably just treated like any old Sunday in February. However, all of us Americans who are getting ready for the Super Bowl right now, make sure you thank President Theodore Roosevelt. Without his influence back in 1905, the excessive violence of football back then (18 deaths in 1905 alone from the sport) would probably have banished from the United States. It's pretty cool how President Roosevelt was able to influence and change the rules of football so the game was safer, and able to stay as a part of America's culture.
The rhetorical techniques Bob Greene uses in his article of "The president who saved football" relys heavily on the logos appeal for his audience. Throughout this article, there is a logos appeal of historical events and references, including President Theodore Roosevelt's accomplishments, and influential football figures at the time like Charles W. Eliot (Harvard's president). Also, Bob Greene cites the authority of Arthur Miller. Arthur Miller researched and wrote the book "The Big Scrum: How Teddy Roosevelt Saved Football", therefore, ethos is established as Miller is obviously a knowledgeable source on this topic. This article was a great way for me to get in the spirit of the Super Bowl. Now let's go watch some football...
Source: Greene, Bob. "The president who saved football - CNN.com." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. N.p., 5 Feb. 2012. Web. 5 Feb. 2012. http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/05/opinion/greene-super-bowl/index.html?hpt=hp_c2.
18 deaths! What???
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