As the nation was leaving the depression years behind, the NFL was increasing in popularity and Art Rooney was keen to draw in some of the million plus fans who were now paying to watch pro football.
Rooney finally brought in the player who he thought was going to turn his losing franchise around. He was determined to ensure his Pirates had a successful season and believed that Byron “Whizzer” White was the just the player to make it happen.
The $15,000 salary for White was a big investment for an owner who was losing money, but the player’s addition to the Pirates certainly sparked a great deal of interest from around the league.