The winning team from Sunday night’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles earned itself the Lombardi Trophy.

It has been handed out for decades, beginning with the earliest days of the Super Bowl nearly 60 years ago.

It is named, of course, for Vince Lombardi, who was a great NFL head coach — one of the best of all-time, in fact.

His record — though achieved over a relatively short period of time,  just over a decade — speaks for itself.

But even with all that, he is not the person for whom the trophy should br named. He was the benefit of good timing, as his Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls in dominant fashion, beating the Chiefs by 25 points and the Oakland Raiders by 19.

Rather, and clearly, the trophy should be named for Paul Brown.

Yes, THAT Paul Brown.

He is largely responsible for so many things that are commonplace — and staples — in today’s game, including the Super Bowl. He is called “The Father of Modern Football, and with good reason, for the type of game that is played today can be traced to him.

The sophisticated passing game, including the spread offenses?

Paul Brown?

Playbooks?

Paul Brown.

Film study?

Paul Brown.

The emphasis on speed in the procurement of players?

Paul Brown.

The importance of special teams?

Paul Brown.

Year-round coaching staffs?

Paul Brown.

Even the radio transmitters in players’ helmets?

Yes, Paul Brown. He was doing it in
1953.

Indeed, Paul Brown was so far ahead of his time that he practically lapped the field.

It’s just too bad that the powers to be in pro football have never recognized that, acknowledged it and paid homage to it.

Steve King