Profile of Paul Christman on Famous Like Me

My name is Tory Christman, and my father was/is Paul Christman.

I say 'was' as he suddenly died in the early '70's due to a sudden heart attack he had, but I say "is" as I feel his spirit is with me, always. I'll tell you what I can about my Dad.

First off, he was one of the nicest men I know, to this day. He had a terrific sense of humor, which many people have mentioned to me in my adult life. I'm sorry I don't have any clips to he speaking, but perhaps someone else will? I know he worked with Curt Gowdy for NBC, and perhaps they have some of the old shows?

Paul Christman was a Catholic, and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He went to the University of Missouri, and was an All-American there, as a Quarterback. http://mutigers.collegesports.com/ (Years later, after his death, Missouri University dedicated the bells on the campus to my Dad, which I'll try to find a link to, soon).

He met and fell in love with my Mom, Inez Potter, there at University of Missouri, and soon after they married, and later had 3 children together. I'm sorry for lacking in dates, but that's never been a strong point of mine.

From Missouri, in the late 1940's, the Chicago Cardinals recruited my Dad to be their Quarterback.http://www.angelfire.com/fl/TheCard/gallery/gallery5.html He played for them in the late '40's, early '50's. He also played for the Green Bay Packers one year, and helped them win a Bowl game I believe, but I have to track down the specifics on that. http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/stats.nsf/Annual/1950-gb

Also, he was later awarded and placed in the American Football Hall of Fame.http://www.profootballhof.com/history/release.jsp?release_id=1701

Someone recently sent me a football card for my Dad. On the back it says: "Pitchin Paul Christman" "Quarterback-Chicago Cardinals Weight: 215 lbs. Height: 6' College: Missouri "Passed Cardinals to first National Football League chamionship in 1947". (The year I was born :) "Finished behind Baugh and Luckman in total offense. Pitched 135 competed passses for a 45.8 efficiency mark. Two time All-American in 1939040. Once completed 82-yard TD pass to Bill Dewell vs. Detroit Oct 13, 1946."

We lived in Park Ridge, Illinios, and very happily were there for a number of years. Paul Christman helped many young people in sports, and had many friends there. I know this as when he died in 1971, many people wrote my Mother wonderful letters about how much he had helped them. It truly was wonderful to read.

In the 1960's my Mother got upset with O'Hare Airport's expansion and the loud planes flying over head, and decided to move to Lake Forest, Il (about 20 minutes North of Park Ridge, north of Chicago), where they could "Build their dream house".

They did build their dream house in 1964, and for a short time, I believe they enjoyed the happiness of this new town. My Dad being a lover of Frogs, made a frog crossing in the back yard. They both loved to party, golf, play cards, etc. They were quite active people, with many wonderful friends.

I believe in Park Ridge my Dad began to broadcast with Curt Gowdey on Tv as a color man, and this continued while he was in Lake Forest. Here's a link to another card someone sent me having to do with both Curt and my Dad broadcasting: http://www.answers.com/topic/super-bowl-i

While in Lake Forest, I had a very difficult time, and one can read about what happened to me here: http://www.xenu.net (scroll to personal stories, Tory's Story). Truly, my Father and his courage helped save my life.

He had two sons, Paul Christman, Jr. Who is a writer and a marathon runner, creator of "Running Stats.com" seen here: http://www.runningstats.com/ His other son, David Christman is a world travelor and now a DJ around the world, known as "Chicago Dave". I will have to find some links to his latest music.

Sadly my Father died at a very young age (51) due to a heart attack, the year before the heart bypass was created.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0160440/
We all miss him greatly.

Last year my Mother passed away, having lived a long and healthy life.

Thanks for making the page. If anyone has more information or stories about my Dad, please post them here. I would love to learn more about him, having lost him at such a young age. I know he had 7 brothers, and I'm still trying to find their kids. If anyone knows of them, please e-mail me at magoo44@charter.net (My e-mail is in honor of my Dad: I nicknamed him "Magoo" due to his tiny eyes, and 44 was his Football #)

My best to you all,

Tory Christman Paul Christman's daughter http://www.xenutv.com (video: Magoo: Dancing in Boston, etc,) http://www.torymagoo.org

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