National Football League

Victor Atiyeh began playing football during his time at Washington High School in Portland, Oregon. While his team could not string together many wins, Atiyeh stood out among other high school football players in the Portland Metro Area.

Atiyeh continued his football career at the University of Oregon. Atiyeh was a linebacker for the Oregon Ducks, but was redshirted his freshman year. In the middle of his college career, the United States was pulled into World War II. While most of Atiyeh’s male schoolmates enlisted, he was unable to due to a previous injury. After healing, he was still listed as ineligible for military service, but was able to play -- a rarity during the war years. His skills and status led to recruitment offers from several NFL teams.

His most serious offer came from the Green Bay Packers. Atiyeh received a letter, dated June 6, 1944, from Curly Lambeau offering him a spot on the Packers team. After much consideration, Atiyeh politely declined the offer so that he could continue to lead the family business. Despite this, he remained in contact with the Green Bay Packers organization for the remainder of his life, even corresponding with Packers coaches Bart Starr and Mike Holmgren.