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WHEREAS, in 1982, in the midst of the National Football League's Players' Strike, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle stated, " This does not get done without Paul Martha, and thus framed the work and achievements of Pittsburgh native and favorite son , John Paul Martha ; and,
WHEREAS, Paul Martha began his sports career as a star quarterback at Shadyside Academy and went on to the University of Pittsburgh as a First Team All American running back, ranking 10th all time in career scoring at Pitt with 104 total points and 17 career touchdowns when Pitt had a 9-1 season and a Number 2 national ranking; and,
WHEREAS, in 1964, Paul became a first round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, 10th round overall, and was a starter, playing both wide receiver and defensive back from 1964 through 1969, eventually retiring from professional football in 1970 ; and,
WHEREAS, earning his law degree in his football years, Paul joined Reed, Smith, Shaw and McClay after football and eventually left to become an owner of Youngstown Steel Tank in Youngstown, Ohio, where he fortuitously met his future boss and mentor, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. ; and,
WHEREAS, Paul Martha's legendary career with the DeBartolo family, in which his intellect, entrepreneurship and leadership launched a remarkable sports management career, was unmatched in its record of success; and,
WHEREAS, Paul Martha was Vice President and General Counsel of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vice President and General Counsel of the Pittsburgh Spirit, Vice President and General Counsel of the San Francisco 49ers, President of the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL, President of the Civic Arena Corporation and a member of the esteemed NHL Board of Governors and through these professional accomplishments was part of management groups who developed star athletes like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr and Joe Montana and championship teams such as the 49ers and the Penguins, becoming the only professional sports manager to own 6 championship rings ;and,
WHEREAS, Paul Martha took his stellar reputation and remarkable ability back to the law and currently spends a majority of his time with his three sons and daughters in law and his 6 wonderful grandchildren.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and honor Paul Martha for his noteworthy achievements and remarkable career; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Thursday, April 8, 2010, to be "PAUL MARTHA DAY" in the City of Pittsburgh.