BGSU alumnus named 2014 NFF Gold Medal Recipient

BOWLING GREEN, O.—The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced BGSU alumnus George Weiss will be the co-recipient of the 2014 NFF Gold Medal.

The highest and most prestigious award presented by the National Football Foundation, the Gold Medal recognizes an outstanding American who has demonstrated integrity and honesty, achieved significant career success, and has reflected the basic values of those who have excelled in amateur sport, particularly football.

Weiss, an accomplished venture capitalist who devoted more than four decades to helping guide the NFF, will be honored during the organization’s annual awards dinner on Dec. 9. Weiss attended BGSU from 1959-63 and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in speech. He received a master’s degree and his juris doctorate from New York University.

After receiving his law degree, Weiss joined the firm of Rubin, Baum, Levin, Constant and Friedman, eventually becoming a senior partner. In addition to corporate legal work, Weiss carved out a niche in the music and recording field, working on projects that involved jazz pianist Chick Corea, Madonna and numerous other artists. In 1992, he founded Beechtree Capital, a private investment firm.

Weiss became involved with the National Football Foundation in 1969, first as an associate legal counsel and then general counsel and corporate secretary, and he has remained a fixture ever since.

Working closely with every management team since 1969, he has had a major role in leading the foundation into the modern era, overseeing all legal matters, chapter programs, the Hall of Fame Bowl Game, the Kickoff Classic, the launch of the NFF Play It Smart youth development program, the NFL-NFF Coaching Academy, and many other projects.

NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell said, “George Weiss clearly ranks among the most influential board members in the history of the National Football Foundation. His passion for our mission began more than four decades ago, and his efforts have made a critical impact on our ability to inspire the millions of young people who play our great game each year.”



NFF Chairman Archie Manning had this to say about Weiss, “He simply has provided top-level counsel to every president and chairman of the National Football Foundation since the 1960s and his countless contributions have made a lasting impact that will benefit the future of our sport for many years to come.”



Originally presented to President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the NFF annual awards dinner in 1958, the Gold Medal boasts an impressive list of past recipients, including seven presidents, four generals, three admirals, one Supreme Court Justice, 29 corporate CEOs and chairmen, actor John Wayne and baseball immortal Jackie Robinson.