Allie Sherman, American football player and coach (b. 1923)

Alex "Allie" Sherman (February 10, 1923 – January 3, 2015) carved out a truly unique and influential career spanning professional American football as both a player and coach, pioneering advancements in cable television and sports marketing, and even undertaking significant public service. His journey from an NFL quarterback to a visionary media executive and a civic leader underscores a remarkable versatility and strategic acumen.

Allie Sherman: A Multifaceted Career in Sports and Beyond

Allie Sherman’s impactful career began on the gridiron, transitioned to the sidelines as a celebrated coach, and then profoundly influenced the media and public service sectors. He was renowned for his innovative thinking, whether on the football field or in the boardroom, consistently demonstrating an ability to transform and elevate organizations.

Early Career: NFL Player and Emerging Coach

Sherman played 51 games across six seasons in the National Football League (NFL) as a formidable quarterback and defensive back. His playing career included stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (1943, 1944–1945, 1947) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (1947). Following his playing days, Sherman seamlessly transitioned into coaching, first taking on the head coaching role for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League (CFL), a major professional football league in North America, before moving to the NFL.

Giants Coaching Era: Triumph and Innovation

Sherman is perhaps best known for his tenure as head coach of the NFL's New York Giants, a position he held from 1961 until the 1969 preseason. This period marked a significant chapter in Giants history, often referred to as a "Golden Era" for the franchise, where Sherman achieved unparalleled success:

• Three Consecutive Eastern Conference Titles: Under Sherman's leadership, the Giants dominated the NFL's Eastern Conference, securing titles from 1961 to 1963. This remarkable consistency led them to three NFL Championship Games, where they faced formidable opponents like the Green Bay Packers (1961, 1962) and the Chicago Bears (1963). While the Giants ultimately fell short in these championship contests, their sustained excellence during this period solidified their status as an elite NFL franchise.
• NFL Coach of the Year Awards: Sherman's coaching prowess was recognized with two consecutive NFL Coach of the Year Awards in 1961 and 1962. This was a historic achievement, marking the first instance such a prestigious honor was awarded to the same individual in back-to-back years, a testament to his immediate and sustained impact on the Giants.
• Pro Bowl Recognition: His leadership extended to the league's annual showcase, as he coached in three NFL Pro Bowls, guiding some of the era's greatest football talent.
• Pioneering "Media" Coach: Beyond his on-field strategies, Sherman was a trailblazer in sports media. He is widely regarded as the first "media" NFL head coach, actively engaging with fans and expanding the league's presence through his own television and radio shows. This groundbreaking approach, which included producing and hosting his own broadcasts and frequently appearing as an on-air football analyst, laid the groundwork for the modern sports media landscape, where coaches are often prominent public figures.

Post-Coaching Legacy: Media Executive and Civic Leader

After his distinguished coaching career, Allie Sherman embarked on an equally impressive second act in the corporate world, demonstrating a keen foresight for the evolving media and sports industries, followed by significant contributions in public service.

• Warner Communications (WarnerMedia): Sherman enjoyed a long and impactful career at Warner Communications, now known as WarnerMedia. In this role, he was at the forefront of the burgeoning cable television industry. He was instrumental in developing some of the earliest cable television sports networks and was a key figure in pioneering interactive and pay-per-view television technologies and events. His work laid critical foundations for how sports content is consumed today, long before the widespread adoption of digital platforms.
• New York Cosmos and Pelé's Farewell: Within Warner Communications, Sherman's influence extended to global sports. He oversaw and strategically marketed the iconic New York Cosmos soccer team, a pivotal force in popularizing soccer in North America during the North American Soccer League (NASL) era, prominently featuring global superstar Pelé. He also played a crucial role in producing Pelé's star-studded farewell game event on October 1, 1977, which was syndicated worldwide by ABC and featured luminaries like Muhammad Ali and other celebrities, further cementing soccer's appeal.
• New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (OTB): In a testament to his diverse leadership capabilities, then-new New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani appointed Sherman as president of the struggling New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (OTB). OTB had been plagued by financial losses and a tarnished public image. Within a remarkable two years, Sherman's strategic reforms and revitalization efforts transformed the organization, making it profitable for the first time in its history while successfully modernizing its operations and improving its public perception. This achievement underscored his ability to apply his business acumen to complex public sector challenges.

Who was Allie Sherman?

Allie Sherman was a versatile American professional football figure who excelled as an NFL player (quarterback and defensive back), a highly successful head coach for the NFL's New York Giants, and later a pioneering executive in cable television, sports marketing, and a civic leader.

What were Allie Sherman's major coaching achievements with the New York Giants?

With the New York Giants, Allie Sherman won three consecutive Eastern Conference titles from 1961 to 1963, leading the team to three NFL Championship Games. He also earned two consecutive NFL Coach of the Year Awards in 1961 and 1962, a historic first for the award, and coached in three NFL Pro Bowls.

How did Allie Sherman influence sports media?

Allie Sherman was a pioneer in sports media, recognized as the first "media" NFL head coach. He produced and hosted his own shows on television and radio, becoming a frequent on-air football analyst. Later, at Warner Communications, he was instrumental in developing early cable television sports networks and pioneering interactive and pay-per-view events.

What was Allie Sherman's role with the New York Cosmos?

At Warner Communications, Allie Sherman oversaw and marketed the New York Cosmos soccer team during their prominence in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He was also a key producer for Pelé's globally syndicated farewell game event.

What was Allie Sherman's impact on the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (OTB)?

Appointed by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Allie Sherman successfully transformed the failing New York City OTB. Within two years, he made the corporation profitable for the first time and revitalized its public image, showcasing his formidable leadership and business acumen beyond sports.