Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Detroit's Dark Knight: The Des Moines Dragons Reborn

revrew · 08-20-2018, 10:32 AM

Into the NFL's quandary stepped Jack Ledger, social media mogul and tech billionaire. Known as "the man who toppled Facebook," Ledger had built a technology empire far from the skyrocketing taxes of Silicon Valley in his home state of Iowa.

Certain NFL owners had reservations about the 34-year-old Ledger joining their ranks – namely his youth and his much publicized penchant for the dramatic. But when Ledger entered the NFL owner's meeting with a professional multi-media presentation, a clear business plan, a sharpened pencil, and billions of dollars to put on the table … well, money talks, especially to the cash-strapped NFL.

Ledger had money to burn, a stadium to build, and offered the NFL an immediate escape from the nearly war-torn city of Detroit. The vote was close, but the NFL owners agreed to allow Ledger sole ownership of the Lions and to move the team to Des Moines.

There were many in the group who voted no because of the more "unorthodox" requirements in Ledger's proposed deal. More about that later …

But for now, the Lions had a new owner, a new stadium under construction, a new city, and a new name.

08-20-2018, 10:32 AM	#3
revrew Team Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA	Into the NFL's quandary stepped Jack Ledger, social media mogul and tech billionaire. Known as "the man who toppled Facebook," Ledger had built a technology empire far from the skyrocketing taxes of Silicon Valley in his home state of Iowa. Certain NFL owners had reservations about the 34-year-old Ledger joining their ranks – namely his youth and his much publicized penchant for the dramatic. But when Ledger entered the NFL owner's meeting with a professional multi-media presentation, a clear business plan, a sharpened pencil, and billions of dollars to put on the table … well, money talks, especially to the cash-strapped NFL. Ledger had money to burn, a stadium to build, and offered the NFL an immediate escape from the nearly war-torn city of Detroit. The vote was close, but the NFL owners agreed to allow Ledger sole ownership of the Lions and to move the team to Des Moines. There were many in the group who voted no because of the more "unorthodox" requirements in Ledger's proposed deal. More about that later … But for now, the Lions had a new owner, a new stadium under construction, a new city, and a new name. __________________ Winner of 6 FOFC Scribe Awards, including 3 Gold Scribes Founder of the ZFL, 2004 Golden Scribe Dynasty of the Year Now bringing The Des Moines Dragons back to life, and the joke's on YOU, NFL! I came to the Crossroad. I took it. And that has made all the difference.