Meaning: This quote reflects the concern of Pete Rozelle, the former commissioner of the National Football League (NFL), about the negative impact of public disputes and controversies on the sport of football. Pete Rozelle was a highly influential figure in American sports, serving as the NFL commissioner from 1960 to 1989. His words carry weight and significance in the context of the NFL's history and the broader landscape of professional sports.

In the quote, Rozelle expresses his apprehension about the detrimental effects of public squabbling on football. The term "squabbling" implies petty arguments, bickering, or disputes, often of a public nature. Rozelle suggests that such behavior, when displayed within the realm of football, has the potential to undermine the integrity and appeal of the sport. It is important to note that Rozelle's concern is not limited to the immediate consequences of public squabbling but extends to the long-term repercussions as well.

Rozelle's assertion that squabbling will "eventually ruin football" underscores the gravity of the issue in his eyes. This statement conveys his belief that ongoing public disputes and controversies, if left unchecked, could have a corrosive and irreversible impact on the sport. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue, indicating that the harm caused by such behavior is already evident. Rozelle's use of the word "ruin" carries a sense of finality, suggesting that the continued presence of public squabbling poses a genuine threat to the future of football.

Furthermore, Rozelle cites the findings of polls conducted by Louis Harris, a renowned public opinion researcher, to support his argument. The reference to these polls adds a layer of empirical evidence to Rozelle's concerns, indicating that public sentiment aligns with his apprehensions. By invoking the credibility of political polls, Rozelle underscores the seriousness of the situation and suggests that the impact of public squabbling on football is not merely speculative but backed by tangible data.

The mention of Louis Harris's polls as "valid as any political polls" serves to highlight the rigor and reliability of the survey findings. This comparison elevates the significance of the poll results, positioning them as a barometer of public sentiment that carries weight akin to that of political opinion polls. Rozelle's use of this analogy bolsters the credibility of the evidence he presents, reinforcing the notion that the concerns about the impact of public squabbling on football are grounded in substantive research.

In essence, Pete Rozelle's quote encapsulates his deep-seated concerns about the detrimental effects of public squabbling on football. It reflects his belief that such behavior, if unchecked, could have far-reaching and irreparable consequences for the sport. By referencing reputable poll data, Rozelle underscores the tangible evidence supporting his apprehensions and emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue. As a pivotal figure in the history of the NFL, Rozelle's words carry weight and relevance in understanding the challenges and considerations surrounding the management and integrity of professional football.