Ralph Hay

Ralph Hay (January 27, 1869 – September 27, 1958) was an American automobile dealer and football executive. He is best known as the owner of the Canton Bulldogs, a professional American football team, and as a key figure in the formation of the National Football League (NFL).

Hay operated a successful automobile dealership in Canton, Ohio, selling both Hudson and Jordan vehicles. His passion, however, lay in football. In 1916, he acquired the Canton Bulldogs, transforming them into a dominant force in early professional football. Under Hay's leadership, and with the help of star player and coach Jim Thorpe, the Bulldogs won unofficial championships in 1916, 1917, and 1919.

In 1920, Hay played a crucial role in organizing the meeting that led to the creation of the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in Canton. This organization was later renamed the National Football League (NFL) in 1922. Hay served as the APFA's (and later NFL's) first president, holding the position for one year.

Hay sold the Canton Bulldogs to a Cleveland-based group in 1923 but remained involved in professional football to some degree. He is considered a significant figure in the early history of the NFL, due to his instrumental role in its formation and his leadership as its first president. His influence on the development of professional football in the United States is undeniable.