Officials in the Trump administration are promoting an effort to have former President Theodore Roosevelt inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, citing his historical role in reforming and preserving the sport.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said during an event at the National Portrait Gallery that discussions surrounding the potential induction are ongoing and could result in an announcement in the near future.

Burgum indicated that talks have involved Roger Goodell and suggested the timing could align with the 2026 NFL Draft, which is expected to take place on the National Mall. He added that a formal induction, if approved, could be held in conjunction with the planned Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota.

The proposal is tied to Roosevelt’s influence on the early development of American football. In the early 1900s, amid growing concerns over injuries and fatalities in the sport, Roosevelt met with football leaders and pushed for reforms that ultimately led to rule changes aimed at improving player safety.

Supporters of the effort argue that those actions helped preserve football at a critical moment and contributed to structural changes, including the eventual adoption of safety measures and the evolution of gameplay.

White House officials have also linked the proposal to broader sports policy messaging. Spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the administration views Roosevelt’s intervention as a parallel to current efforts to address challenges in college athletics.

Edward O’Keefe emphasized Roosevelt’s legacy, pointing to his role in encouraging reforms that shaped the modern game.

Neither the National Football League nor the Hall of Fame has publicly commented on the proposal. The institution traditionally honors players, coaches, and contributors directly involved in professional football, and no U.S. president has previously been inducted.

If pursued, the effort would mark an unconventional expansion of how contributors to the sport are recognized, focusing on historical influence rather than direct participation in professional play.