Typed Letter Signed

Instead of playing football to get into the NFL, this college football star played football and got into the NFL in order to pay for law school! Playing tackle and captain of the varsity team at University of Pennsylvania, he faced off with "Galloping Ghost" Red Grange of University of Illinois in the 1925 Rose Bowl; two years pro ball with the Buffalo Rangers followed, which finance law school and a distinguished career that ended as senior district judge of the Western District of Pennsylvania. TLS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Erie, PA, 11 June 1979. Addressed to Richard C. Laade. Near fine. Original folds. On "United States District Court" letterhead, Willson tells this admirer, "I note that you are interested in those who have played in the National Football League during its early years. The records show that I was on the Buffalo Team of the NFL in 1926 and 1927" -- and, showing typical jurisprudence paranoia, he goes on, "However, I am not acquainted with you and please advise me further, as I hesitate simply to send a card with my name on it not knowing what the recipient might do with the signature." Signed huge and bold in full in black ballpoint. With original mailing envelope. Quite unusual and scarce.