Name Alexis Thompson Education Yale University | Role American football owner | |
Alexis "Lex" Thompson was an owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Steagles. Thompson was a graduate of Yale University, was the heir to a six million fortune in steel stocks, a U.S. Army corporal, and an Entrepreneur who made millions selling eye care products. Steelers owner Art Rooney bought half interest in the Eagles and sold the Steelers to 28-year-old Thompson for $160,000 in 1940. After having second thoughts, the owners traded their cities back to each other (but kept the players) before the start of the 1941 season. Thompson sold the Eagles franchise to a group of investors known as the "Happy Hundred" for $250,000 on January 15, 1949.
Thompson's body was discovered on December 21, 1954 in his apartment. He died of an apparent heart attack.