ROZELLE SELECTED FOR LICENSING HALL OF FAME

PETE ROZELLE, the late former commissioner of the NFL, was selected this week by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) for induction into the Murray Altchuler Licensing Hall of Fame. "Mr. Rozelle, who established NFL Properties in 1963, is credited as the pioneer of sports licensing," said CHARLES RIOTTO, executive director of LIMA. "His involvement in the Los Angeles Rams’ team licensing in the late ’50s when he was general manager of the club is the first known application of a sports team’s logo on a product – and he was most definitely the creator of team sports licensing as we know it today." Sports licensing accounts for approximately 20 percent of domestic licensing. Rozelle will be honored at LIMA’s New York City induction dinner on June 10. Licensing Hall of Fame members include JIM HENSON, GEORGE LUCAS and CHARLES SCHULTZ.

NFL ROOKIES SAY "THANKS, MOM"

Mother’s Day is May 10, and for many NFL players, it is an especially meaningful day. Following are Mother’s Day stories from the 1998 NFL rookie files: Nebraska safety SCOTT FROST (New York Jets) was actually coached by his mother CAROL in high school. "Most people have a father who can help them athletically," says Scott. "I had two people"……Georgia Tech linebacker KEITH BROOKING (Atlanta Falcons) was taught the value of family life by his mother BRENDA, who took in foster children. "We knew that my mom was doing it from the bottom of her heart," says Keith……Arizona State defensive tackle JEREMY STAAT (Pittsburgh Steelers), afflicted with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder, was taught perseverance by his mother JANET, who urged him to get help for his problem. "Don’t let your pride hinder your studies," she told him……and Georgia wide receiver HINES WARD (Pittsburgh) was taught dedication by his mother YOUNG, who worked two to three jobs to support him. "The reason I want to make it to the next level, the NFL," says Hines, "is to help my mom."

HALL OF FAME PHOTO AWARD NAMED FOR DAVE BOSS

One of the most prestigious awards in sports photography will now be named after a man who influenced the careers of many sports photographers – DAVE BOSS. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced that the winner of its annual contest for the best photo of the previous NFL season will now receive the "Dave Boss Award of Excellence." Boss is the recently retired NFL Properties vice president and creative director who created NFL Photos, the first league-owned sports photo archive. Through NFL Photos, Boss nurtured the careers of hundreds of sports photographers. In 1966, he produced the first Super Bowl program, and every succeeding one through Super Bowl XXV. In 1969, Boss conceived of the idea of an NFL in-stadium magazine, first named "PRO!" and now called "NFL Insider." The Boss award will be presented this July 31 at the Mayor’s Breakfast in Canton, Ohio, the kickoff of the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Weekend during which the Hall of Fame Class of ’98 will be inducted, and the Pittsburgh Steelers will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.